Israeli Perspectives on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Harris vs. Trump Weigh-In

Trey Gislason
September 7, 2024 11:03pm
372

Israelis express diverse opinions on the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with some favoring Vice President Kamala Harris for her commitment to democracy and others supporting former President Donald Trump for his past support of Israel.

Israel's intricate geopolitical landscape, marked by ongoing conflicts with entities like Hamas and Hezbollah, has placed U.S. support for the Jewish state at the forefront of the 2024 presidential election. Fox News Digital reached out to Israeli citizens in Jerusalem to gauge their preferences between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Mordechai, a Jerusalem resident, extolled Trump's presidency, emphasizing his efforts to facilitate a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He attributed Trump's success in this regard to his unique stature as the only U.S. president who has fostered closer ties between Israel and its neighbors.

Israeli Perspectives on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Harris vs. Trump Weigh-In

In contrast, Moti Stein, a professor at Hebrew University, lauded Harris's potential value to Israel. He characterized her as an advocate for values crucial to the future of Israeli society, suggesting that her presidency could nurture democratic principles within the country.

Nevertheless, concerns arose among those who identified Harris as their preferred candidate. John Golub, a protestor against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted his concerns about the potential erosion of democracy in Israel under Harris's leadership.

Israeli Perspectives on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Harris vs. Trump Weigh-In

Baruch Kalman, echoing similar sentiments, dismissed Harris as a suitable candidate for the task at hand. He expressed apprehension about her perceived bias towards Gazans and Hamas, perceiving it as a detriment to Israel's interests.

Anna Gullko, on the other hand, rooted her support for Trump in his adherence to biblical values, which she believes guide his policies. Zvika Klein, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, echoed these views in his opinion piece, arguing that Harris lacked the necessary strength and resolve on the international stage.

Israeli Perspectives on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Harris vs. Trump Weigh-In

Despite their differing opinions, Israelis acknowledged the sizeable pro-Israel sentiment within the Republican Party. They also noted the presence of approximately 600,000 American citizens residing in Israel, many of whom are eligible to participate in the upcoming election.

As the election approaches, Israelis continue to weigh their options, considering the potential implications of each candidate's presidency on the future of Israel and its place in the Middle East.