Former Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris says she regrets that the Biden administration did not apply greater pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conduct of the war in Gaza, particularly its impact on Palestinian civilians.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Harris was asked to reflect on potential missteps she may have made while serving alongside President Joe Biden and what, in hindsight, she would have done differently. In response, she cited the administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict, saying she wished she and the White House had pushed Netanyahu harder “as it related to innocent Palestinians.”
The comments mark one of Harris’s clearest acknowledgments to date that the administration could have taken a more assertive stance on Israel’s military campaign, which has drawn widespread international criticism over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Throughout the conflict, the Biden administration publicly expressed concern over civilian harm while continuing to provide diplomatic and military support to Israel.
Harris’s interview also addressed the future of the Democratic Party and its emerging leadership. She offered praise for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose fierce criticism of Israeli policy has placed him among a new generation of progressive Democrats more openly skeptical of U.S. support for Israel. Mamdani has faced sharp backlash from pro-Israel groups and some centrist Democrats over his views.
“I do not think he’s a scary face for the Democratic Party,” Harris said of Mamdani, emphasizing the energy and engagement he generated among younger voters during his campaign. She credited his victory to a broader youth-driven political momentum focused on economic justice, housing affordability and foreign policy reform.
According to the report, Harris reached out to Mamdani after his election victory to congratulate him and offer guidance on building his administration. She reportedly shared advice on hiring staff and managing the responsibilities of executive office, drawing on her own experience as vice president, senator and attorney general.
Harris’s remarks come as Democrats continue to grapple with internal divisions over U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza, as well as broader questions about the party’s future direction after the 2024 election. By acknowledging regret over Gaza and embracing younger progressive leaders, Harris appears to be signaling a willingness to reflect on the party’s recent approach while encouraging a new generation of Democratic leadership.
