Though Harris has been careful not to contradict President Biden, she has often pushed the envelope of the administration’s messaging on the Israel-Gaza conflict. She has at times advocated forcefully, and ahead of other administration officials, for limiting civilian casualties and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
“I think she will be more inclined to find other ways to put pressure on Israel if the situation in Gaza does not dramatically improve,” said Ivo Daalder, who served as NATO ambassador during the Obama administration and is well connected with Biden aides.
Harris’s Middle East views will be in the spotlight this week when she and Biden meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan is for Harris to have her own separate meeting with the Israeli leader, according to an aide to Harris. She won’t be in Washington for his high-stakes speech to Congress because she will be traveling to Indianapolis for a previously scheduled event.
