In a startling statement that underscores growing tensions between Israel and the U.S., a prominent Israeli parliamentarian has labeled Vice President Kamala Harris a "global danger." The remarks, made amid delicate hostage negotiations and ongoing conflict with Hamas, highlight the increasingly complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations as Harris campaigns for the presidency.
United Torah Judaism MK Yisrael Eichler launched a scathing critique of U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during a speech at the Knesset plenum on Sunday. Eichler's comments, which suggested that global leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khameini are closely monitoring developments in the U.S. presidential race, come at a time of heightened sensitivity in U.S.-Israel relations.
"Now that we see that in America, there are elements that are increasingly suicidal, going with the progress that leads to such an extent that whoever is running for vice president, the vice president who is running for the presidency of the United States," Eichler stated. He added, "If you heard Mr. Speaker, what she said and how she spoke, it is a global danger because Putin hears this. Khameini hears this."
The Israeli lawmaker's remarks appear to be in response to recent statements made by Harris regarding the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing hostage negotiations. On Friday, a senior Israeli official expressed concern that the Vice President's comments might complicate efforts to secure a hostage deal, stating, "We hope that it won't make it harder to achieve a hostage deal because it gives the appearance of daylight between Israel and the United States."
Harris reportedly surprised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inner circle by issuing a statement shortly after their hour-long meeting, which she also shared on social media platform X. The statement outlined terms for a potential second phase of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, details that had presumably not been finalized at the time.
Eichler's provocative comments and the reported tension surrounding Harris's statements underscore the delicate balance of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly as the U.S. enters a heated election season.
As Harris campaigns for the presidency, her statements on foreign policy issues, especially those concerning the Middle East, are likely to face increased scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
* JPost contributed to this article.