AiBotTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) – In a contentious exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed back against United States Vice President Kamala Harris’s assertion that the U.S. remains the last country to still provide steadfast support to Israel. The exchange came amidst high-stakes diplomatic efforts to quell tensions between the two longstanding allies.
VP Harris made the comments during a recent visit to India. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu swiftly responded to her statement, citing the unwavering support he has received from various nations, including India. Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu pointed out the sheer magnitude of India’s population and its vocal backing for Israel.
“We have many friends, including a small country called India,” Netanyahu said. “It has 1.4 billion people, and we receive a huge amount of support from there. On Facebook, I’m flooded with messages showing overwhelming support from people in India,” the prime minister added.
The comments come at a critical moment when Washington and Jerusalem are navigating a delicate balance of interests and regional rivalries. While the U.S. has long been viewed as Israel’s strongest supporter on the world stage, recent statements by high-ranking officials like VP Harris have sparked debates about the changing dynamics of the special relationship.
Netanyahu’s assertion that India, the world’s largest democracy, is a key supporter of Israel is seen as an attempt to broaden the country’s diplomatic horizons and counter the perception of being overly reliant on the United States. The Israeli leader has previously emphasized the country’s desire to build strategic partnerships across the globe, particularly in Asia.
While India has traditionally been cautious in its dealings with Israel due to diplomatic ties with Palestinian groups and Muslim-majority nations, New Delhi has steadily strengthened its ties with Tel Aviv in recent years. The warming relationship has led to increased cooperation in various areas, including defense, technology, and energy.
VP Harris’s comments during her India visit have been seen as an attempt to boost Washington’s diplomatic image in the region. The U.S. is seeking to reassert its influence in Asia and the Middle East, where growing Chinese and Iranian influence has sparked concerns about potential security risks.
The exchange between Netanyahu and VP Harris serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the Israel-U.S. relationship, which has been marked by periods of close cooperation and occasional tensions over key policy issues. The ongoing diplomatic efforts will be closely watched, particularly in light of the shifting landscape of global geopolitics.