A tougher line on Israel can help Kamala Harris, who is likely to become the Democratic candidate in the American presidential election, to win votes.
Many younger voters are very upset about the war in Gaza, notes political scientist and US expert Emma Ricknell.
Israel's ongoing war against terrorist-stamped Hamas will be a burning issue for Joe Biden's successor as presidential candidate. During the spring, several pro-Palestinian demonstrations have erupted in the US – not least at universities.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington. On Wednesday, at 20 Swedish time, he will hold a speech in Congress, but according to sources to CNN, Harris will not attend.
Instead, they will meet separately, according to anonymous sources close to Harris for Politico.
Harris has expressed support for the civilian victims in Gaza on several occasions and has also encouraged a ceasefire.
Can attract younger voters
Emma Ricknell, US expert and political scientist at Linnaeus University, believes that the Vice President's expressed support for the people in Gaza can attract, above all, younger voters.
Harris was early in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She can benefit from showing herself stronger against Israel, she says.
An escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas could force Harris to take a stand.
Then it's about her showing her mettle.
The choice of Harris could mean a tougher line against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ricknell assesses.
Within the party, there are voices that criticize Biden for not going out strongly enough against Netanyahu, and among them, there is probably a hope for a clearer line, she says.
Abortion issue a strong card
The abortion issue can also become a strong card for Harris. "An attack on freedom" she called the decision to repeal the national abortion protection in 2022, and many analysts are convinced that Harris will raise the issue in her campaign.
Ricknell believes that especially black women will be attracted to the polls if Harris takes over as the Democratic presidential candidate.
I recently saw an opinion poll that shows Biden has lost a lot of confidence among black female voters. It's possible that Harris can scoop them up again, she says.
But above all, I think Kamala Harris has the opportunity to win over Democratic voters who feel that they don't want to vote at all. We'll see if she can mobilize them, says Ricknell.
