Vice President Kamala Harris is anticipated to continue President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda should she succeed him, focusing on sustained support for Ukraine and strengthening U.S. alliances to counter the growing influence of Russia and China. However, her approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may differ from Biden's, particularly regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict.

Harris, the leading Democratic presidential candidate following Biden’s withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of her candidacy, has demonstrated a willingness to publicly critique Netanyahu and express greater empathy for Palestinian civilians. This contrasts with Biden's more traditional stance of strong support for Israel, potentially signaling a shift in U.S. policy under her leadership.

In March, tensions surfaced when White House National Security Council officials modified Harris' speech advocating for a cease-fire and negotiations between Israel and Hamas. According to NBC News, the initial draft of her remarks was more critical of Israel, emphasizing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for increased aid. The White House later described the portrayal as “inaccurate,” suggesting a more nuanced or less critical public stance.

Harris' potential policy shifts may appeal to specific voter demographics, such as Arab American and younger progressive voters who have expressed dissatisfaction with Biden's policies on Israel. Sources close to the Biden administration indicate that Harris’ perceived distance from Biden’s Israel policies could positively impact her electoral prospects among these groups.

Conversely, Harris maintains strong ties with the Jewish community, partially through her husband, Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president. Emhoff, a corporate lawyer, has played a significant role in fostering relations with Jewish Americans and addressing antisemitism. The couple’s personal commitment to their Jewish heritage, including installing a mezuzah on the vice presidential residence and hosting Jewish holiday gatherings, underscores their engagement with the community.

Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, suggests that while a Harris presidency might result in a shift in rhetoric regarding Israel, substantial policy changes are unlikely. Miller anticipates a more balanced approach from Harris, with increased sympathy for Palestinian statehood and rights, yet still within the framework of America's traditional support for Israel. This position would place Harris to the left of Biden but significantly to the right of those advocating for more stringent measures against Israel.

In April, following attacks on Israel by Iranian drones and missiles, Harris reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” support for Israel’s security. Her commitment was expressed through a social media statement demonstrating solidarity with Israel against the aggression, reflecting continuity with established U.S. policies.

Regarding other foreign policy issues, Harris has articulated positions aligning more closely with President Barack Obama’s approach compared to Biden's. For instance, Harris has advocated for ending the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, a stance reminiscent of Obama’s policies aimed at engaging with Cuban civil society and fostering progress.

As vice president, Harris has worked to enhance her foreign policy credentials by meeting with over 150 foreign leaders and advocating for U.S. support for allies against global threats. She was involved in the decision-making process for the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, a move that faced criticism from both political parties due to the chaotic nature of the withdrawal.

In her speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, Harris pledged continued U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression “for as long as it takes,” mirroring Biden's stance and emphasizing the U.S. commitment to a just and lasting peace for Kyiv.

Should Harris become president, her administration would likely uphold America’s traditional global stance, reassuring NATO allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. On the campaign trail, she is expected to argue for foreign policy positions similar to Biden’s, criticizing former President Donald Trump’s isolationism, denigration of U.S. alliances, and lack of support for Ukraine.

Harris’ national security adviser, Philip Gordon, a seasoned foreign policy expert with experience in the Clinton and Obama administrations, is expected to influence her foreign policy approach. Gordon has previously critiqued Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, and has advocated for a more coherent and consistent U.S. approach to international relations.

In summary, while Harris may introduce a nuanced perspective to U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine, she is likely to maintain America’s traditional alliances and global commitments, reflecting a continuity with Biden's overarching foreign policy framework.