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Sabine Sterk
CEO of Time to Stand Up for Israel

Harris’s Israel Stance Ended Her Career | Gregory Lyakhov

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff disembark Air Force Two at Denver International Airport Monday, March 6, 2023, in Denver. (Official White House Photo/Lawrence Jackson) PUBLIC DOMAIN: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vice_President_Kamala_Harris_and_Second_Gentleman_Douglas_Emhoff_disembark_Air_Force_Two_at_Denver_International_Airport_Monday,_March_6,_2023,_in_Denver.jpg
Former VP Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff disembark Air Force Two at Denver International Airport Monday, March 6, 2023, in Denver.

Gregory Lyakhov contends that Vice President Kamala Harris’s political downfall in the 2024 election can be traced back to one defining misstep: her public criticism of Israel during its war with Hamas. While various factors played into her loss, Lyakhov argues that her decision to distance herself from Israel—America’s most reliable ally in the Middle East—alienated crucial voting blocs and ultimately sealed her fate at the ballot box.

The Conflict That Sparked a Political Firestorm

The crisis began in late 2023 when Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, launched an unprecedented and brutal attack on Israel. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, and more than 200 were taken hostage. The assault was unprovoked and indiscriminate, targeting civilians with thousands of rockets and coordinated ground assaults. Israel responded with military force aimed at dismantling Hamas’s terror infrastructure in Gaza, an operation that, while necessary for Israel’s security, inevitably led to civilian casualties given Hamas’s tactic of embedding itself within civilian populations.

Despite Israel’s efforts to minimize harm to non-combatants—issuing warnings before strikes and establishing humanitarian corridors—the global narrative quickly shifted to focus on the suffering in Gaza. Media outlets and international bodies began highlighting the humanitarian crisis while often glossing over Hamas’s responsibility for instigating the conflict and using civilians as human shields. In this volatile and emotionally charged environment, Kamala Harris made a decision that, in Lyakhov’s view, would have lasting political consequences.

Harris’s Critical Misstep

In August 2024, Harris publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza. While she reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself, her remarks included pointed criticism of Israel’s military actions, suggesting that they were disproportionate and calling for restraint. To some, particularly progressive voters, her comments seemed like a balanced and humane call for de-escalation. But for Israel’s supporters, Jewish communities, and many moderates, her stance was seen as a betrayal of democratic values and a failure to stand firmly against terrorism.

Lyakhov argues that Harris’s comments played directly into Hamas’s propaganda efforts, casting doubt on America’s steadfast support for Israel at a time when the Jewish state was fighting for its survival. For many voters, especially within the Jewish community, Harris’s words felt like abandonment. In Lyakhov’s view, her criticism of Israel signaled a troubling shift in the Democratic Party’s commitment to one of its most important allies, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-Israel relations.

The Political Fallout

The consequences of Harris’s stance were swift and severe. Pro-Israel organizations, prominent Jewish leaders, and bipartisan political figures condemned her remarks. For many Jewish voters, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan, Harris’s position crossed a line. These voters, who traditionally leaned Democratic, felt that Harris had betrayed values central to their identity: the defense of democracy, freedom, and Israel’s right to exist in peace.

Harris had calculated that her criticism of Israel would appeal to younger, progressive voters who increasingly favored a more “balanced” approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Lyakhov argues that this strategy disastrously backfired. Instead of uniting progressives, Harris’s remarks deepened divisions within the Democratic base. While some applauded her call for a ceasefire, many others—particularly Jewish voters and pro-Israel moderates—felt alienated and disillusioned.

Furthermore, Lyakhov points out that Harris’s attempt to court progressive voters didn’t yield the expected results. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party remained fractured, with some pushing for even stronger condemnations of Israel, while others were wary of alienating traditional Democratic constituencies. In the end, Harris’s comments satisfied no one, leaving her politically vulnerable on multiple fronts.

A Shift in Voter Loyalty

Exit polls following the election revealed a dramatic shift in voter loyalty. Harris lost significant support from Jewish voters compared to previous Democratic candidates like Joe Biden and Barack Obama. In key battleground states with sizable Jewish populations, this decline proved decisive. Lyakhov highlights that Pennsylvania, Florida, and even parts of Arizona saw noticeable drops in Democratic support among Jewish voters, contributing to Harris’s overall electoral defeat.

But the damage wasn’t limited to Jewish voters. Harris’s stance on Israel also alienated many moderate and independent voters who viewed strong support for Israel as a non-negotiable aspect of American foreign policy. For these voters, Harris’s criticism raised concerns about her judgment and her ability to handle complex international crises. Lyakhov argues that this broader erosion of trust played a crucial role in her downfall.

The Broader Implications

In Gregory Lyakhov’s view, Harris’s miscalculation wasn’t just a foreign policy blunder—it was a fundamental misunderstanding of American political values. By failing to unequivocally support Israel in its fight against terrorism, Harris alienated a key constituency and sent a message that the Democratic Party was drifting away from its historical alliances.

Lyakhov suggests that Harris’s defeat serves as a cautionary tale for future politicians: abandoning core allies and misreading the electorate’s priorities can have swift and irreversible consequences. The 2024 election highlighted the enduring importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship in American politics and demonstrated that voters, particularly in swing states, will not tolerate perceived betrayals of democratic allies.

Ultimately, Lyakhov concludes that Kamala Harris’s political career was undone by a single, pivotal decision—one that not only cost her the election but also reshaped the Democratic Party’s relationship with one of its most loyal voting blocs.

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About the Author
CEO of Time to Stand Up for Israel, a nonprofit organization with over 200,000 followers across various social media platforms. Our mission is simple but powerful: to support Israel and amplify its global presence.
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