vice president Kamala Harris’ suggestion that Israel could face consequences for invading Rafah did not go down well on social media on Sunday.
In an interview with ABC News, correspondent Rachel Scott asked the vice president whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned invasion is considered a “red line” for his administration.
“We have been clear on every point in multiple conversations that a large-scale military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris responded. “Let me tell you something, I looked at the map. There’s nowhere for those people to go.”
“It’s a mistake, but if that’s the case, will there be any consequences?” [Netanyahu] Will we move forward? asked Scott.
Kamala Harris insisted that the administration is “not ruling out anything” about the implications for Israel of proceeding with the invasion of Rafah. (Lee Vogel/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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“We’re going to take it one step at a time, but we’re very clear on whether that’s going to happen.” [an invasion] “It should be,” Harris replied.
“Do you rule out the possibility of influence from the United States?” Scott pressed again.
“I’m not ruling anything out,” Harris said.
Harris’ comments were criticized not only as bad war strategy but also as a shameful abandonment of Israel.
“My husband is Jewish, so he’s good at making bad military decisions for Israel,” joked international security professor Max Abrams.
FOX News contributor Guy Benson wrote, “Vice president warns Israel not to end Hamas.”
“Hamas still has American hostages. This regime should go on TV every day and demand the release of the hostages. Don’t threaten consequences against Israel. Release the damn hostages. It’s that simple. Negotiations will come afterwards. ” said veteran Sean Parnell.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest joked, “No kidding. I think this was a good answer for Kamala Harris.”
“One of the world’s great orators and cartographers. We are so blessed,” Republican Rapid Investigation Director Jake Schneider similarly scoffed.
“The ultimate guide to the Biden administration’s betrayal of Israel,” described Benjamin Weingarten, editor-in-chief of RealClear Investigations.
“‘Studyed the map,'” conservative commentator AG Hamilton wrote in a lengthy post. “Kamala Harris has now publicly stated that it is the current administration’s position that Israel cannot win the war. Israel must ensure the survival of Hamas. This is wrong from a military perspective. Not only is this unacceptable, but it deprives Hamas of any incentive to negotiate surrender.”
“If you know that the US is saying we cannot go into Israel and take them to a place where everyone knows that the rest of the battalion is there and that all the hostages are likely being held. , why would Hamas release the hostages or agree to surrender? Hamas would be able to hold out. “They steal or get a share of much of the aid, so they certainly don’t have enough supplies. “The U.S. plan is basically just to give them more,” he continued. “This is the opposite of seeking a deal to end the war, and it undermines the possibility of a deal. It is more about placating extremist elements in their strongholds in the run-up to the next election than implementing the status quo.” This is a terrible military and negotiation strategy by an incompetent administration that values ”the best interests of the country, its allies, and the American people taken hostage.” It’s shameful.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that the invasion of Rafah is essential to defeating Hamas. (Satellite image ©2023 Maxar Technologies via AP)
“Kick the stone, Kamala,” columnist David Marcus posted.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slams Schumer and Biden over declining support for Israel: Focus should be on defeating Hamas
Harris’ comments came days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Friday that Israel would press ahead with its invasion of Rafah, with or without U.S. support.
Israel claims that Rafah is Hamas’ last remaining stronghold and that the terrorist organization’s forces there must be defeated if Israel is to achieve its war goals. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas following its October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people, took 250 hostages, and triggered heavy Israeli air and ground attacks in Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said he told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel is working on ways to evacuate civilians from the combat zone and respond to humanitarian needs in Gaza. Nevertheless, he stated that an invasion of Rafah was imminent.
Harris’ comments followed Netanyahu’s assertion that an invasion would occur with or without U.S. support. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
“I also said there is no way to defeat Hamas without joining Rafah,” Netanyahu said. “I told him that I would like to do this with the support of the United States, but that I would do it alone if necessary.”
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FOX News’ Anders Hagström contributed to this report.
