The war going on between the Israel-Hamas conflict could have a major on the upcoming United States elections. Both presidential candidates have discussed the matter multiple times as voters continue to form their opinions, with the Jewish community seemingly leaning one way.
Those who believe the United States response has been handled poorly may look towards change. Republican nominee and Former President Donald Trump has said that with him back in the Oval Office, US citizens and Israelis alike will be in a better state.
Perri Finkelstein, a 33-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Israel, said she will be in support of “whoever’s going to do right by Israel.” She went on to say she commended some of Donald Trump’s policy decisions. “I don’t think I have to like him in order to know that he’s gonna do right by my country,” she said.
Trump has spoken extensively on the matter. He said recently that Iran would have never attacked Israel if he was president, and says that without him the U.S. could be on the brink of a third world war. “It’s total annihilation — that’s what you’re talking about…You have a big protector in me. You don’t have a protector on the other side…Anybody who’s Jewish and loves being Jewish and loves Israel is a fool if they vote for a Democrat, You should have your head examined (if you are a Harris supporter),” he said.
As for Kamala Harris, she had this to say when asked the question back in August. “Let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself…At the same time what has happened in Gaza in the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”
With some voters still unsure how to feel, both candidates should aim to make their foreign policies even clearer with just 34 days until the election.
