US has “absolutely no intention” of sending troops to Israel or Gaza: VP Kamala Harris

United States Vice President Kamala Harris recently made it clear that the US has “absolutely no intention” of sending combat troops to Israel or Gaza during the ongoing conflict.

In an interview, VP Harris strongly asserted, “We have absolutely no intention, nor do we have any plans, to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza, period.” She expressed her unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also advocating for the protection of Palestinian civilians.

The Vice President, who has been actively involved in discussions and phone conversations regarding the Middle East crisis, emphasized the need to distinguish between Hamas and the Palestinian population. She stressed that Palestinians deserve equal measures of safety, security, self-determination, and dignity, and called for adherence to the rules of war and the flow of humanitarian aid.

On the same day, US President Joe Biden held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During their conversation, Biden reiterated Israel’s right to defend its citizens from terrorism and addressed efforts to locate and secure the release of hostages. He underscored the urgency of increasing humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza.

In the midst of concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Gaza, Harris echoed Biden’s warnings to Iran, saying, “Don’t.”

When questioned about the possibility of President Biden not completing his term and potential successors, Harris declined to engage in hypothetical scenarios. She affirmed her focus on her current responsibilities, highlighting the critical importance of the ongoing presidential re-election campaign and the defense of democracy. Harris stated, “I’m not going to engage in that hypothetical because Joe Biden is very much alive and running for re-election. Our democracy is on the line, and I, frankly, in my head, do not have time for parlour games when we have a president who is running for re-election. That is it.”