Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate in the 2024 Presidential election. The selection feels out of left field for many, as Walz was not a well-known figure nationally prior to his selection. However, Walz reportedly received support from prominent Democrats including Nancy Pelosi, and his start has been rising in recent weeks.
With Walz joining the ticket, the question many are asking is – what is his positions on Israel?
In 2009, Walz traveled to Israel as a part of a diplomatic trip to the Middle East. He met with both Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, and Syrian dictator Bashar al-Asad. During his time in Congress, Walz voted alongside his Democratic party members to send foreign military aid to Israel. However he also joined his fellow democrats in supporting the Iran deal.
Following Hamas’s brutal attacks on October 7th, Walz ordered the flags in his state of Minnesota to be flown at half mast, and spoke out against those who did not condemn the attacks.
At a service at Congregation Beth El in suburban Minneapolis following the attacks, Walz said: “If you did not find moral clarity on Saturday morning, and you find yourself waiting to think about what you needed to say, you need to reevaluate where you’re at,”
“What was evident on Saturday morning was the absolute lack of humanity, the terrorism and the barbarism,” “That’s not a geopolitical discussion. That’s murder.”
However since that time, Walz has mostly stayed out of political discussions on the issue, and has not taken a firm stance on the conflict itself.
However, Walz has indicated he believes in tolerance for anti-Israel protesters, despite their antisemitism. When over 18% of Minnesota voters decided to protest President Biden’s support of Israel by voting “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary, Walz emphasized that their criticism should not be dismissed out of hand.
“We’ve got eight months. We’ve got to bring these people back in and listen to what they’re saying,” Walz said. “Take them seriously. Their message is clear, that they think this is an intolerable situation and we can do more, and I think the president is hearing that.”
At the same time, Walz has expressed support for Jews facing hostility over the conflict, telling PBS: “I think when Jewish students are telling us they feel unsafe in that, we need to believe them, and I do believe them,”
“Creating a space where political dissent or political rallying can happen is one thing. Intimidation is another.”
{Matzav.com}