‘Blame extremist settlers for West Bank violence’: Kamala Harris to Israel President

US Vice President Kamala Harris, in a phone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, emphasised the need to “increase stability and security” in the West Bank region and “hold extremist settlers accountable for violent acts”, the White House said in a statement.

Harris spoke to Herzog on Tuesday (local time) and discussed the latest developments in Gaza and the West Bank as the Israeli military intensified its ground operations, advancing further in Gaza.

“Beyond the current conflict, the Vice President underscored the importance of setting conditions now for a durable and sustainable peace and security with equal measures of security, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians,” the White House said.

Harris also stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and respecting international humanitarian law.

“The Vice President emphasised the importance of protecting civilian lives and respecting international humanitarian law. She emphasised the imperative to further increase the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza,” the White House added.

Harris, according to the release, committed to continuing to work with the US’s partners throughout the region to ensure humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Reiterating her support for Israel’s “right to defend its citizens and combat terrorism following Hamas’s horrific attack”, she also underscored Washington’s “focus on securing the release of hostages being held by Hamas”, the White House statement said.

She also highlighted the issue of civilian casualties in her discussion with the Israeli President.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also said that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a pause in fighting in Gaza during a call on Monday. The White House said the two leaders discussed the potential for “tactical pauses” for humanitarian reasons and possible hostage releases.