As a potential Harris administration takes shape, what might her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and broader Middle East issues look like?
As the U.S. navigates a precarious balance in the Middle East, attention is increasingly turning to what might come next if Kamala Harris ascends to the presidency. The recent developments—a hostage rescue and a tentative Gaza cease-fire—have spotlighted Harris’s potential policies and their impact on the region’s tumultuous landscape.
On Tuesday, the White House celebrated the release of an Israeli hostage taken by Hamas, signaling progress in negotiations. While the cease-fire deal is a positive step, it remains fragile, covering only the initial phase of a complex three-phase plan. This temporary calm raises questions about the long-term U.S. strategy in the region and Harris’s role in shaping it.
As the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris has sought to tread a careful line, endorsing continued support for Israel while advocating for Palestinian humanitarian needs. Her approach seems to mirror President Joe Biden’s policies, emphasizing both security for Israel and addressing the suffering in Gaza. In her convention speech, Harris outlined a vision that includes securing Israel’s safety, releasing hostages, and ensuring Palestinian dignity and self-determination.
Yet, Harris’s foreign policy stance remains somewhat nebulous, primarily due to her limited direct experience compared to Biden’s extensive Senate tenure. This relative inexperience might be seen as an advantage by some, presenting an opportunity for a fresh perspective unburdened by past policy decisions. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggests that Harris’s lack of “foreign policy baggage” could be an asset, contrasting with Biden’s controversial past decisions, such as his 2002 vote on Iraq.
Central to understanding Harris’s potential policies is her national security adviser, Phillip Gordon. Known for his traditional approach to American foreign policy, Gordon’s influence could steer Harris towards a cautious stance on Iran. Gordon’s 2020 book, “Losing the Long Game,” criticizes regime change efforts and suggests a skeptical view of U.S. interventions in the Middle East. This perspective implies that a Harris administration might avoid aggressive postures towards Iran and focus on pragmatic measures rather than ambitious geopolitical maneuvers.
Jonathan Rynhold from Bar-Ilan University notes that while Harris’s approach to Iran may not be as forceful as some Israeli officials might desire, it represents a meaningful engagement. The recent deployment of U.S. military assets to the Middle East under her potential leadership is seen as a positive sign of commitment to deterring Iranian aggression without escalating conflicts.
Harris’s commitment to maintaining Biden’s course is evident in her support for increased military aid to Israel and ongoing efforts towards a two-state solution. Her former national security adviser, Halie Soifer, highlights Harris’s alignment with Biden’s policies, including bolstering U.S. support for Israel amidst regional security challenges.
The generational divide between Biden and Harris also plays a role in shaping their policies. While Biden’s perspective is heavily influenced by historical contexts such as the Holocaust, Harris’s viewpoint may be shaped by a more modern understanding of global dynamics. Her background as the child of immigrants and her sensitivity to diverse international perspectives could influence her approach, making her more attuned to global criticisms of U.S. foreign policy.
Ultimately, the exact contours of a Harris doctrine remain uncertain. As she campaigns, her statements are designed to appeal to a broad Democratic base, balancing pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sentiments. This strategic positioning may obscure her true policy inclinations, leaving observers to speculate about how her administration would navigate the intricate web of Middle Eastern politics.
With the current cease-fire barely stabilizing the region and internal party dynamics shaping her stance, only time will reveal how Kamala Harris’s policies will take shape. For now, the Middle East awaits a clearer signal of whether the next U.S. administration will usher in continuity or transformation.
