After report that she would consider arms embargo, Harris backs off, says she will work 'to ensure Israel able to defend itself’

Movement of Arab American Democrat voters wants US to stop supporting Israel

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Before a recent campaign stop in Michigan, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris met with two Arab Americans who lead the Uncommitted National Movement, a group that organized more than 100,000 voters to cast their ballots as “uncommitted” in response to President Biden's support for Israel.

During the conversation, the two leaders of the movement – Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed – allegedly asked Harris to meet and discuss an arms embargo on Israel, according to The New York Times.

While the group later claimed that Harris said she was open to such a meeting, Harris campaign spokesman said the vice president only “reaffirmed that her campaign will continue to engage with those communities.”

The Uncommitted organization made an additional statement.

“The Vice President shared her sympathies and expressed an openness to a meeting with the Uncommitted leaders to discuss an arms embargo.”

Harris’ campaign spokesman then released a statement appearing to contradict that claim.

“Since October 7, the vice president has prioritized engaging with Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian community members and others regarding the war in Gaza,” the statement said. “In this brief engagement, she reaffirmed that her campaign will continue to engage with those communities.”

The statement added that Harris would maintain her support for Israel in its conflict with the Iranian regime and its proxies.

“The vice president has been clear: she will always work to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups,” the statement continued. “The Vice President is focused on securing the ceasefire and hostage deal currently on the table.”

Harris has repeatedly called for a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization, including the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.

The "Uncommitted" co-founders said they want to support Harris, but want “to see her turn a new page” regarding Gaza.

“I appreciate her leadership, and I know the uncommitted voters want to support her, uncommitted delegates want to support her,” Alawieh said, “but our voters need to see her turn a new page on Gaza policy.”

Moments later, during the campaign rally, a group of hecklers interrupted Harris during her speech, shouting: “Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide.”

Harris responded, “I am here because I believe in democracy and everybody’s voice matters. But I am speaking now.”

When the chanting continued, Harris stated, “If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.”

Michigan is a crucial state for Harris because of its significant Arab American population in the Detroit area, which has the highest per capita concentration in the United States.

Voters in those districts have historically supported Democrat politicians, however, due to the work of the Uncommitted National Movement, around 100,000 Michigan voters cast their ballot as “uncommitted” in the February 2024 primary.