Global Courant
Deputy Director Kamala Harris appeared to suggest that Israel could face consequences from Rafah’s invasion, which did not go over 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 was considered a “red line” for the administration.
“We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every respect that any major military operation in Rafah would be a big mistake,” Harris responded. “Let me tell you something: I studied the maps. Those people have nowhere to go.”
“A mistake, but would there be consequences if (Netanyahu) makes progress?” Scott pressed.
Kamala Harris claimed that the administration is “not ruling anything out” regarding the consequences for Israel as it moves forward with its invasion of Rafah. (Leigh Vogel/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
SCHUMER sparks backlash in Israel over suggestion that NETANYAHU should leave: ‘JUST LANDED’
“We’re going to take it step by step, but we’ve been very clear in terms of our perspective on whether or not (an invasion) should happen,” Harris responded.
‘Are you ruling out that there will be consequences from the United States?’ Scott pressed again.
“I’m not ruling anything out,” Harris said.
Harris’ comments were criticized not only as a terrible war strategy, but also as a shameful abandonment of Israel.
“My husband is Jewish, so I am an expert in making bad military decisions for Israel,” joked Max Abrahams, professor of international security.
Fox News contributor Guy Benson wrote: “VP warns Israel not to finish off Hamas.”
“Hamas still has American hostages. This government should be on television every day demanding that hostages be released. No threatening consequences against Israel. Release the d*mn hostages. It’s very simple. The negotiations will take place afterwards,” said veteran Sean Parnell.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest quipped, “Don’t kid yourself. Kamala Harris THINKS this was a good answer.”
“One of the world’s greatest orators AND cartographers. We are so blessed,” GOP Rapid Research Director Jake Schneider similarly mocked.
“The Ultimate Guide to the Biden Administration’s Betrayal of Israel,” explained Benjamin Weingarten, editor-in-chief of RealClear Investigations.
In a lengthy post, conservative commentator AG Hamilton wrote: “‘Study the cards.’ Kamala Harris now openly states that this administration’s position is that Israel cannot win the war. They must guarantee the survival of Hamas. This is not only wrong and unacceptable from a military point of view, but removes any incentive Hamas has to to negotiate their surrender.’
“Why would Hamas release the hostages or agree to surrender when they know the US is telling Israel they can’t go in and get them out while everyone knows the remaining battalions exist and probably all the hostages are being held ? Hamas can hold out” in Rafah forever. They certainly don’t have a shortage of supplies as they steal or get some of the aid, and the US plan is really just to give them more,” he continued. “This is the opposite of seeking an agreement to end the war; it undermines the possibility of that. It is a terrible military and negotiating strategy by an incompetent government that is more concerned with appeasing an extremist element in their base for the upcoming elections than doing what is planned.” the interests of the country, our ally and the Americans being held hostage. Shameful.’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that the invasion of Rafah is integral to defeating Hamas. (Satellite image ©2023 Maxar Technologies via AP)
“Kick rocks, Kamala,” wrote columnist David Marcus.
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU TELLS SCHUMER AND BIDEN ON DECREASING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL: THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ON PUTTING DOWN HAMAS
Harris’ comments came days after Netanyahu vowed that Israel would press ahead with an invasion of Rafa on Friday with or without US support.
Israel says Rafah is Hamas’s last remaining stronghold and the terrorist group’s forces there must be defeated before Israel can achieve its war aims. Israel vowed to destroy Hamas after the group’s Oct. 7 attack, which killed about 1,200 people, took 250 others hostage and set off Israel’s fierce air and ground offensive in Gaza.
Netanyahu said he told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel is working on ways to evacuate civilians from combat zones and meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs. Nevertheless, he said an invasion of Rafah is imminent.
Harris’ comments followed Netanyahu’s claim that the invasion would happen with or without US support. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
“I also said there is no way we can defeat Hamas without entering Rafah,” Netanyahu said. “I told him I hoped we would do this with American support, but if necessary we would do it alone.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
Lindsay Kornick is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @lmkornick.
