As War in Gaza Rages, Kamala Harris Has One Word for Hamas-Backer Iran: ‘Don’t’

William FurneyNov 3, 2023

Minute Read

People were puzzled after US Vice President Kamala Harris issued a warning to Iran that consisted of one word — “Don’t” — leaving many wondering what on Earth she was talking about.

‘Straightforward’ Answer

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Harris was giving an interview on CBS’ 60 Minutes when host Bill Whitaker asked her what she would say to the Iranian regime amid an outbreak of war in the Middle East.

“Don’t,” was the vice president’s answer, to which the interviewer replied, “Very straightforward.”

Eruption of Middle East Troubles

The long-running dispute between Hamas, which controls the Palestinian Gaza Strip, and Israel erupted into deadly violence in the early hours of October 7, when the terror group fired thousands of missiles at southern and central parts of Israel, killing around 1,400 people.

Israel’s 9/11

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads a right-wing coalition government, described the shock Hamas attack as the country’s “9/11,” referring to the Al Qaeda strikes on the United States on September 11, 2001, that killed almost 3,000 people.

War on Hamas

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Netanyahu then declared war on Hamas, and launched a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to root out the terrorists. The offensive has since been expanded to include air and sea forces, as the death toll in the conflict has risen beyond 8,000, mostly civilians in Gaza.

‘All Saying the Same’

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Reporter Simon Ateba shared the bizarre clip of Harris and her one-word warning to Iran on X (formerly Twitter), asking: “Why are they all saying the same thing? President Biden said recently, ‘Don’t, don’t,’ when asked the same.” He followed up with another post: “I feel like saying, Madam Vice President, kindly elaborate…..just a little bit!”

Harris Ridiculed

People reacted to Ateba’s post with scorn for the vice president. “Wow! That’ll show them!” scoffed one. Another X user suggested Harris wasn’t all that intelligent: “Because they have a script and are unable to deviate from their handlers’ talking points. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.”

Yet another posted in response on X: “This country NEEDS Trump back in the White House asap.”

Biden-Harris Ticket

President Biden, 80, is seeking a second term in the White House, in next year’s election, again with Harris, 59, as his running mate. There are concerns, however, about the president’s advanced age — fears that were recently heightened when Biden tripped and stumbled while walking on stage and on the steps of Air Force One.

Biden ‘Incoherent’

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The president has also given rambling speeches and press conferences that some said were incoherent. Despite the worries, Biden remains the frontrunner for the Democratic Party nomination in primaries being held early next year.

Biden Impeachment?

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Efforts are underway by House Republicans to impeach President Biden over bribery allegations, with hearings taking place to display evidence his family received money from foreign organizations. Democrats say there is nothing linking the president to overseas funds — only to family members such as Biden’s son Hunter — and that he therefore cannot be impeached.

Biden ‘Very Much Alive’

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Asked on 60 Minutes if she would step in should something happen to President Biden, whether running for another term or serving as president, Harris dodged the question.

“Well, first of all, I’m not gonna engage in that hypothetical because Joe Biden is very much alive and running for reelection. So there we are,” she said.

No US Troops for Israel

Harris also told 60 Minutes that the Biden administration would not be putting US boots on the ground in Israel, to help it battle Hamas.

“We have absolutely no intention, nor do we have any plans, to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza, period,” she said, adding that Washington was, however, providing assistance to Israel in the form of military hardware and other support.

Humanitarian Aid

Addressing the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe as Israel pounds Gaza, leaving at least 1 million people homeless and fleeing the Palestinian territory, Harris said there should be no blockade of humanitarian aid trucks.

“We have been very clear that the rules of war must be adhered to and that there be humanitarian aid that flows,” she said.

Fears of a Wider Conflict

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The US and other governments are concerned that other groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, might be drawn into the Israel-Hamas war, creating a wider Middle East conflict that could destabilize the entire region and beyond. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have the stated aim of wiping out Israel.