Kamala's comments on Israel 'fueling' Mid East tensions: Mike Pompeo

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her comments relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict, claiming that she is “fueling” tensions in the region. 

In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Pompeo emphasized the importance of deterrence through strength and criticized Harris for pushing overly diplomatic rhetoric that doesn't acknowledge the strength needed to restore legitimacy.

“The kind of things that Vice President Harris is saying are fueling the continued war and the continued risk,” Pompeo stated.

Pompeo defended Israel’s recent decision to assassinate top Hamas officials, comparing it to the US assassination of Qasem Soleimani, and highlighted Iran’s direct involvement with terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Pompeo also criticized the continued calls for a ceasefire while the Iran-backed terrorist groups are growing more powerful.

“Whenever I hear President Biden or Vice President Harris talk about a cease-fire, what they are really saying is they’re going to allow the horrors of Oct. 7 to happen again,” he continued. “They want Israelis to stand down while Hamas is still powerful and armed and while Hezbollah still has thousands of missiles in Lebanon.”

“When we demand there be a cease-fire, the bad guys, the terrorists, they will continue their efforts. They will be rewarded for what they did,” Pompeo declared. 

Last month, Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visited Washington DC to address Congress, though she avoided the address to Congress, choosing instead to speak to a meeting of sorority sisters. Following their meeting, Harris gave a statement to reporters calling for a ceasefire, saying, "It is time for this war to end in a way where Israel is secure, all the hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can exercise their right to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.”

"And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu it is time to get this deal done. Let's get the deal done. So we can get a ceasefire to end the war. Let's bring the hostages home. And let's provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people," she added. Hamas has refused any and all offers made to end hostilities. 

According to Axios, Harris’ comments at the time caught Netanyahu and his team off guard, with her statement being more critical than what she told Netanyahu while the two met. Israeli officials reportedly were frustrated about Harris’ comments regarding a ceasefire, as the Jewish state has continued its stance that fighting would continue until such a deal has been reached.