Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

Vice President Kamala Harris's appointment of Ilan Goldenberg as her liaison to the American Jewish community has sparked outrage among some Jewish Americans and Israelis who accuse him of undermining Israel's security and being soft on Iran.

Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign has come under fire for the appointment of Ilan Goldenberg as her liaison to the American Jewish community. Critics allege that Goldenberg holds views that undermine Israel's security and has been soft on Iran.

Goldenberg, a former Obama administration official who renounced his Israeli citizenship to work in Washington, is seen as a lightning rod figure by his critics. They point to his history of pushing policies that they believe harm Israel, such as his support for sanctions on extremist Jewish residents of the disputed West Bank.

Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

In a recent speech, Goldenberg defended Harris's record on Israel, stating that she has "an unwavering commitment to Israel's security." However, critics have dismissed these claims, arguing that Goldenberg's own record contradicts his statements.

Eugene Kontorovich, an American-Israeli law professor, told Fox News Digital that Goldenberg is "one of those in the Biden-Harris administration who has made sanctions on Israelis official government policy." He added that Goldenberg's appointment shows that Harris "feels no need to run to the center" when it comes to Israel, even if it means alienating the Jewish vote.

Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, defended Goldenberg's appointment, calling him "a national security and Middle East expert who brings a wealth of experience to this critically important role." She also stated that his appointment is evidence of Harris's commitment to outreach with the Jewish American community.

However, Fox News Digital reached out numerous times to members of the Harris campaign and Goldenberg himself but did not receive a response.

Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

Seth Mandel, editor of Commentary magazine, has criticized Goldenberg's record on Middle East policy, particularly his support for the Iran nuclear deal. Mandel argues that the deal has failed to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

David Milstein, who served as special assistant to the U.S. Ambassador to Israel under President Trump, warned that Goldenberg's appointment should raise concerns among Americans who support Israel. He accused Goldenberg of having "a long record of anti-Israel views" and of advising "some of the most anti-Israel political leaders in recent times."

Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

The Jerusalem Post, a centrist English language newspaper read by many American Jews, also expressed concern about Goldenberg's appointment, warning that he "should alarm every friend of Israel."

The debate over Goldenberg's fitness to be Harris's liaison has played out publicly in Israel, with the Jerusalem Post and other outlets weighing in. David Makovsky, director of the Program on Arab-Israel Relations at the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, has defended Goldenberg against personal attacks, but expressed concerns about his policy prescriptions.

Harris's Controversial Choice for Jewish Liaison Raises Concerns in Pro-Israel Community

Richard Landes, an Israeli-American academic, told Fox News Digital that Goldenberg's appointment is "a clear signal to the rest of the country that her administration (and Walz's) will be playing the Muslim-hard 'left' constituency."