Kamala Harris Pressured Israel to Avoid Rafah Before American Hostage Found Dead

Vice President Kamala Harris played a crucial role in pressuring Israel to avoid military operations in Rafah, Gaza, just months before the bodies of six hostages, including 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were discovered in the city. The hostages, brutally murdered by Hamas, were found by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in an underground tunnel on Sunday.

• The Biden administration, led by Harris, consistently pushed Israel to stay out of Rafah, despite the area being a known Hamas stronghold and a likely location for dozens of hostages.

• In March, Harris appeared on ABC News, explicitly warning Israel against military action in Rafah, calling it a “big mistake” and suggesting potential "consequences" if Israel proceeded.

• Her pressure campaign was echoed by President Joe Biden, who threatened to cut off vital weapons shipments to Israel if they invaded Rafah, a move that many now see as emboldening Hamas.

Despite these warnings, Israel moved forward with operations in Rafah, leading to the rescue of at least nine hostages so far, including one last week. However, the discovery of Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages dead in the very city Harris sought to protect from Israeli military action raises serious questions about the administration’s judgment and priorities.

Harris's stance was part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to prevent Israel from launching a full-scale operation in Rafah. In May, President Biden intensified the pressure, even pausing the shipment of thousands of explosives to Israel. The administration claimed concern over civilian casualties in the densely populated city, yet this hesitation allowed Hamas to continue its reign of terror and cost innocent lives.

This tragic outcome underscores the dangers of weak leadership and the consequences of placing misguided diplomatic pressure over the safety and security of American citizens and allies. As Israel continues its efforts to dismantle Hamas, the Biden administration’s role in hampering these efforts should not be forgotten.

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