Support for Israel is a crucial issue in November’s presidential election, as the country faces multi-front wars against Hamas, Hezbollah, and fears of a wider conflict with Iran. Israelis in Jerusalem were interviewed to gauge their opinions on who would be the better candidate – former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. Many Israelis praised Trump for his efforts to bring the country closer to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, others, like professor Moti Stein, believe Harris is good for Israel, citing the importance of her values in representing the future of Israeli society.
Some Israelis express concern over the continuation of democracy in Israel and view Harris as the best choice for this aspect. Those who support Harris believe she will help Israel realize its future as a strong liberal democracy with a strong, independent judiciary. On the other hand, there are those like Baruch Kalman who do not believe Harris is the right candidate to support Israel. They feel she prioritizes the concerns of Gazans and Hamas over Israel’s interests. Trump supporters like Anna Gullko believe in his policies being based on biblical values, which contribute to their backing of the former president.
Zvika Klein, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, expressed concern about a potential Harris presidency, citing her lack of display of strength on the global stage. He compared this to Trump’s track record, which includes moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and realizing the Abraham Accords. Klein emphasized the importance of having a skilled team that understands the region in a future Trump administration. He noted that the Republican Party is generally more pro-Israel, which is a significant factor for many Israelis.
The opinions of Israelis on the upcoming election are divided, with some favoring Harris for her commitment to democracy and values, while others prefer Trump for his support for Israel and biblical values. The issue of concern for many is the future of democracy in Israel and the potential impact of the election outcome on the country. With a significant number of American citizens residing in Israel, the election holds weight for both Americans and Israelis living in the region. The importance of support for Israel in the context of the Middle East conflicts and the wider implications of the election outcomes add complexity to the decision-making process for those living in Israel.
