Kamala Harris: Biden administration should have publicly criticized Netanyahu

Former Vice President Kamala Harris offered rare public criticism of her and former President Joe Biden’s administration during a recent book-tour event, telling pro-Palestinian demonstrators she “appreciates” their activism before outlining what she believed the White House should have done differently regarding the Gaza war.

Harris was speaking with Angela Rye, co-host of the Native Land podcast, at an event in Seattle when protesters briefly disrupted the discussion. Their intervention prompted Harris to reflect on the Biden administration’s response to 'Israel’s' military campaign.

“Look, we should’ve done more as an administration,” she said, drawing applause from attendees. “We should’ve done more.”

She went further, adding, “We should’ve spoken publicly about our criticism of the way that Netanyahu and his government were executing this war,” a remark that again triggered cheers from the audience. Harris argued that the US had “more levers, in terms of leverage, that we did not use” to press 'Israel' to de-escalate.

Her comments came a month after President Donald Trump negotiated a ceasefire agreement between 'Israel' and Hamas, ending 'Israel’s' two-year-long offensive in Gaza.

During the Seattle discussion, Harris described the current political climate as “moments of darkness” under the Trump administration. While she welcomed the ceasefire, saying she was “happy” it was reached, she questioned its durability, adding, “we will see how long it lasts.”

Immediately afterward, she emphasized the humanitarian toll in Gaza. “But let’s be very clear, that the inhuman nature of what has happened to the Palestinian people in Gaza, the innocent civilians, the extent of hunger, famine, suffering, death, is something that we must acknowledge,” she said. “And I recognize that.”