Kamala Harris: A Data-Backed Track Record of Support Israel Can Rely On

Earlier this month, Oded Ben-Ami, the host of Israel’s leading news program, N12’s 6 o’clock news, opened the show with a heartfelt message to U.S. President Joe Biden: “Allow me to say that there are many of us who appreciate you, your brave friendship, the strong and stable backing you give the state of Israel against the evil threat of Iran and its proxies.” The sentiment was so powerful that President Biden personally called Ben-Ami to thank him.

But now, as Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight as the Democratic Party’s nominee for the presidential election, some are questioning whether she is truly pro-Israel. A few voices have even gone so far as to absurdly accuse her of antisemitism. Such accusations are not just baseless—they are an affront to the reality of her record. As vice president, Harris has been a key figure in an administration that has provided Israel with unprecedented support. In recent weeks alone, the U.S. has deployed four aircraft carriers to the region, along with the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine, and 12 Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jets—the most advanced aircraft of their kind. This formidable display of military might is a clear message to Iran and its proxies, particularly Hezbollah: Do not dare attack Israel.

As the Democratic convention is set to begin today in Chicago, with more than 4,000 delegates convening to recognize Harris as the Democratic nominee and approve the party’s platform, it’s crucial to remember the resolve demonstrated by the Biden-Harris administration immediately after the horrific events of October 7. President Biden traveled to Israel and issued a stark warning to Iran and Hezbollah that deterred further aggression. Without America’s swift intervention, we might not have escaped so lightly from the Iranian missile armada in April. Yet, astonishingly, some of Harris’s most vocal critics seem to take this support for granted.

The reality is that without the backing of the Biden-Harris administration, Israel’s ability to continue its operations in Gaza over the past ten months would have been severely hampered. It’s true that the U.S. doesn’t agree with every aspect of our policy—but expecting a blank check from our greatest ally is unreasonable.

Currently, Vice President Harris has the momentum, leading Trump in several key polls. She supports the goals of Israel’s government in its war efforts: to destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure, ensure effective governance, and return the hostages. The current proposed deal, which Prime Minister Netanyahu presented and President Biden endorsed, is aligned with these objectives, and we should be grateful for their tireless efforts to achieve it.

Harris’s support is not driven by mere sentiment but by a consistent track record that is backed by data—a trait that resonates with those of us in Israel’s high-tech and biotech sectors, where data-driven decisions are the norm. While she may not share Biden’s emotional connection to Zionism, Harris is undeniably pro-Israel. Like all our allies, she repeatedly declares an unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. Showing sympathy for lost lives of innocent Palestinians in conflict does not derogate from this. Her commitment to Israel’s security and future is precisely why she seeks to advance normalization with Saudi Arabia while firmly rejecting an arms embargo on Israel. Her adviser, Phil Gordon, made it clear: “[She] will always ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups.”

Despite the noise from her detractors, Harris’s consistency on these issues has been clear since her 2020 campaign, when she rejected the idea of conditioning military aid to Israel. More recently, she screened “Screams before Silence,” Sheryl Sandberg’s powerful documentary on the sexual violence committed by Hamas on October 7, at the White House, and she has forcefully condemned those who deny the accounts of rape. Meanwhile, her vice-presidential nominee, Governor Tim Walz, has a long track record of supporting Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, with a strong record from AIPAC dating back to his time in the House of Representatives.

For some, none of this will ever be enough. They will cry “Israel hater” and “antisemite” at anyone who doesn’t offer carte blanche to the current government, including the extremist figures like Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. This might be more out of partisan politicking, which in itself is a danger to the US-Israel strategic alliance. But those who truly value Israel’s alliance with the U.S. should take a page from Oded Ben-Ami’s book. Misrepresenting Kamala Harris’s position on Israel isn’t just dishonest—it’s dangerous. It jeopardizes Israel’s most critical relationship, without which we risk isolation on the global stage.

Moreover, it’s essential to recognize former President Trump’s unpredictability in his decision-making and policy-making processes and style. In contrast, Harris’s consistent and data-backed track record offers stability that is vital for Israel’s future.

To ensure that support for Israel remains bipartisan, Harris’s critics must stop acting like spoiled children and recognize the stakes. The future of our alliance depends on it.