On August 7, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris announced the selection for her running mate, the Democratic Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz. Since 2007, he has established his career as a moderate and spokesman for rural America: a champion for issues such as gun control, opposition to the Iraq war, labor rights, and affordable care that are crucial for millions along the Rust Belt. Continuing American involvement in Middle East conflicts, however, ensures that his views on the region, including a stance on the U.S. approach to Israeli and Palestinian relations, are at the forefront of discussions about Harris’ newly-minted running mate.
Walz on U.S.-Israeli Relations Amidst Gaza War
Unlike the other finalists for the vice president slot on the ticket, Walz has been able to walk a less controversial line. He has expressed support for Israel, congruous with most Democratic Party views on the region, while not alienating pro-Palestinian protesters and progressives. Conversely, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro’s name as a possible running mate quickly provoked criticism for more controversial takes; Shapiro previously made analogies between pro-Palestinian protesters and the Ku Klux Klan and denounced anti-Israel divestment demands from advocates.
Gov. Walz swiftly condemned the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel but has also emphasized the importance of not demonizing Palestinians in Gaza. Additionally, he lamented the persistent carnage against civilians in verbiage similar to statements made by Harris: “the situation in Gaza is intolerable.” Like other Democrats, Walz stated the importance of a two-state solution, the bedrock of U.S. policy towards the Israel-Palestinian conflict for decades.
In March, Walz voiced understanding to a growing uncommitted movement of progressives who decry what they view as the Democratic party’s failure to respond to the assault on Gaza and attending human rights abuses. He described the movement pressuring Biden back in March for a ceasefire as “engaged” and acknowledged their concerns.
In his 12 years as a member of the House of Representatives, he supported pro-Israel resolutions, such as a memorandum that would promise Israel billions in U.S. military aid for ten years, and pledged his vote to condemn a UN resolution denouncing Israeli West Bank settlements as illegal. However, most nations and international bodies such as the European Union have long stated that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and believe these Israeli actions constitute “an obstacle to peace and threatens to make a two-state solution impossible.”
The Democratic Majority for Israel, an advocacy group that supports pro-Israel policies in the Democratic Party, praised Walz after he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to the region in 2009. Various pro-Palestinian activist groups have critiqued Walz and Netanyahu’s meeting, especially now that the ICC has requested an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
It is also noteworthy that, despite his support for Israel as a congressman, he has defended fellow Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, who has faced intense scrutiny for her pro-Palestinian views.
Views on Other U.S.-MENA Issues
During his tenure in the House, Walz addressed various policies affecting the Middle East. A common theme that emerges from his support for past legislation, on issues that range from Iran to Syria, is reducing the U.S. role in the region.
In 2006, Walz won his election on a platform calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. On the ongoing Syrian civil war, he dissented from President Barack Obama’s decision to launch airstrikes in Syria. Additionally, he co-sponsored legislation that would retract U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen. On the U.S. approach to Iran, Walz, along with other Democrats under Obama, supported the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program.
Further Reading