Breaking News: Vice President Kamala Harris' Senior Adviser Engages with American Muslim and Arab Leaders Amid Controversy Over U.S. Support for Israel
By Kanishka Singh and Andrea Shalal
A senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris held a virtual meeting with American Muslim and Arab leaders to address concerns over U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Phil Gordon, Harris' national security adviser, expressed the administration's stance on seeking a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic solutions in Lebanon, and stability in the West Bank. However, community leaders, such as Lebanese-American attorney Ali Dagher, have criticized the outreach as inadequate and belated.
With the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 5, Harris, a Democrat, is facing off against Republican former President Donald Trump in a closely contested race. Despite President Joe Biden winning the majority of Muslim and Arab votes in 2020, support for Democrats has waned due to perceived inaction on Israel's military campaigns.
Israel's offensive in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 41,000 casualties. Meanwhile, the conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah has claimed the lives of more than 1,900 individuals, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Emgage, a Muslim American advocacy group, recently endorsed Harris, while others have called for a boycott. The outcome of this election could be influenced by the stance of Muslim and Arab voters, who may choose not to vote or support third-party candidates.
The issue of U.S. support for Israel has sparked protests, particularly in battleground states like Michigan. Harris' alignment with Biden on Israel policy could impact her standing among voters seeking a change in approach.
Analysis: The engagement between Harris' adviser and Muslim and Arab leaders comes at a critical juncture in the election campaign. The outcome of this outreach could sway the support of a key demographic and potentially influence the election results. Voters concerned about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East will be closely watching the candidates' positions on Israel and the broader region.