Pompeo says Harris's comments on Israel-Hamas war are 'fueling' the conflict

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed Vice President Harris’ recent comments about the war between Israel and Hamas, claiming the Democratic nominee’s comments are “fueling” the continued conflict in Gaza.

“Vice President Harris’s comments encourage the continuation of war and the continuation of risk,” said Pompeo, who served under former President Trump. said on Saturday In an interview with Fox News.

“Every time you hear President Biden or Vice President Harris talk about a ceasefire, what they’re really saying is that they’re going to allow the horrific events of October 7th to happen again,” he added.

Both Harris and Biden have called for a ceasefire in the region, but the administration has insisted that Israel’s security is a key priority in the negotiations.

“I will always ensure that Israel can defend itself against Iran and Iranian-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah,” Harris said in remarks after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week.

After the closed-door meeting, the Vice President also issued a bold and direct statement about the toll the conflict has taken on Palestinian civilians, a statement somewhat different from previous Administration statements.

“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months has been horrific,” Harris said. “Images of dead children, images of hungry and desperate people fleeing for safety, sometimes forced to flee a second, third or fourth time. We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent.”

Pompeo, a staunch supporter of Israel, claimed that the Iranian regime has complete control over Hamas behind the scenes. He cited the Trump administration’s decision to assassinate Iranian official Qassem Soleimani as an example of how negotiations with Iran require force and an uncompromising attitude.

“The Iranians have realized this and deterrence has been restored,” Pompeo said. “All they understand is strength.”

“They’ll never understand, ‘Hey, can we all just get along?'” he added.

Tensions in the Middle East have risen since the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week, while he was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president.

Israel has not accepted responsibility for the attack in Tehran, but after announcing the deaths, Prime Minister Netanyahu defiantly said Israel was “achieving its war aims.” Iran has blamed Israel and vowed revenge, raising fears the conflict could escalate into a violent regional war.

Artillery fire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has also intensified, with the Biden administration urging Lebanese citizens to “shelter in place” on Wednesday. The warning came after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut late last month killed one of Hezbollah’s top leaders.

Biden and Harris spoke privately with Netanyahu on Thursday, expressing concern about escalating tensions and stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire.

“I spoke directly with the prime minister … very directly,” Biden told reporters Thursday night. “The foundations are in place for a ceasefire. They should move toward a ceasefire. They should move now.”