Harris says she won’t change Biden’s policy on arming Israel

US Vice President Kamala Harris says she won’t change US President Joe Biden’s policy of arming Israel.

Harris is pressed on the matter during a CNN interview with her running mate Tim Walz — her first since becoming the Democratic party’s presidential nominee.

Highlighting calls by progressives to withhold weapons shipments to Israel, CNN asks Harris whether she would take a different approach to the Israel-Hamas war than Biden has. Interviewer Dana Bash doesn’t mention that Biden has in fact withheld one transfer of heavy bombs, though part of it was eventually released and all other shipments have continued.

Harris begins her answer by pivoting, reiterating the remarks she made in her speech at the Democratic National Convention last week.

“I’m unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s defense and its ability to defend itself, and that’s not going to change,” Harris says.

“But let’s take a step back. October 7 — 1,200 people were massacred, many young people who were simply attending a music festival. Women were horribly raped,” the vice president continues.

“As I said then, I say today: Israel has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, and we have got to get a deal done,” she says referring to negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

“This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out,” Harris stresses, noting that she has met with the families of the eight American hostages. “Let’s get the ceasefire done.”

Pushed again on whether she would change the current policy regarding weapons shipments, Harris responds, “No” before quickly continuing her point about the need for a hostage deal.

“When you look at the significance of this, to the families, to the people who are living in that region — a deal is not only the right thing to do to end this war but will unlock so much of what must happen next.”

“I remain committed — since I’ve been on October 8 — to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure and in equal measure, the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity,” the Democratic presidential nominee adds.