(TJV NEWS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed frustration over Vice President Kamala Harris’ public comments following their meeting on Thursday, suggesting her remarks could undermine potential peace negotiations with Hamas. According to diplomats speaking with Axios, Netanyahu’s displeasure arose because Harris appeared to imply that a ceasefire and hostage exchange would signify the definitive end of the conflict in Gaza. In contrast, Israel has maintained that operations against Hamas might continue even if a hostage agreement is reached.

After the 40-minute meeting with Netanyahu, Vice President Harris stated, “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.” She further urged, “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.”

BREAKING: VP Harris speaks after meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu

Harris calling for an immediate cease-fire deal to free the hostages.

The VP saying she “will not be silent” about the suffering in Gaza, the “devastating” loss of life and the “dire” humanitarian crisis. pic.twitter.com/Fe5QPoOuFh

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 25, 2024

Israeli officials conveyed to Axios that President Biden’s meeting was more constructive than Harris’, but they were “caught off guard” by her subsequent public remarks. The officials noted that:

• Netanyahu and his team were surprised by Harris’ on-camera comments, which they felt were more critical than Biden’s.
• One Israeli official claimed, “Harris’ statement after the meeting was much more critical than what she told Netanyahu in the meeting.”
• Another official expressed Netanyahu’s displeasure over Harris publicly criticizing Israel for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the civilian casualties, especially during the ongoing hostage deal negotiations.

However, an aide to the Vice President countered that they were unaware of the Israeli concerns and emphasized that the private meeting between Harris and Netanyahu was “serious and collegial.”