On October 29, the Middle East Forum hosted a foreign policy debate, “The Middle East: Harris and Trump Policies Explained” at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in collaboration with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Israeli American Council. Moderated by Jennifer Sutton of the Center for a Secure America, the event featured former U.S. Representative Peter Deutsch of the Republican Jewish Coalition advocating for Donald Trump’s foreign policy, while Haile Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, defended Kamala Harris’s approach. The two sparred over key issues, focusing on U.S.-Israel relations, antisemitism, and the threat from Iran.
U.S.-Israel Relations
Soifer highlight recent actions to bolster U.S.–Israeli relations. Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, Harris has, according to Soifer, strengthened Israel’s defenses by deploying U.S. military support and authorizing $17.8 billion in aid, including missile defense systems. Soifer contended that Harris’s commitment to Israel’s security is evident, noting her promise to ensure Israel can defend itself. She criticized Trump’s history of statements, including a recent claim that he would reconsider aid to Israel, cautioning that his support may not be guaranteed if he returns to office.
Deutsch countered, arguing that Trump’s record on Israel speaks for itself. He emphasized that Trump moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, oversaw the Abraham Accords, and limited Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Deutsch also refuted accusations of antisemitism against Trump, criticizing Harris’s ties with figures such as former Women’s March on Washington organizer Linda Sarsour and Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, whom he described as antisemites. While noting that he did not believe Harris to be antisemitic herself, he argued that her associations are concerning.
Iran and the JCPOA
The discussion next turned to Iran, on which the candidates presented starkly different views. Deutsch argued that Iran’s current strength, particularly its economic reserves, is a direct result of the Biden administration’s policies. At the end of the Trump administration, he argued, Iran’s reserves were depleted, while the current administration has provided Iran $70 billion. He viewed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, brokered under Obama and abandoned under Trump, as a strategic failure. Deutsch invoked historical parallels, comparing current policy approaches to appeasement strategies used before WWII. Trump’s firm stance, he argued, hindered Iran’s nuclear capabilities and limited its regional influence, while the current administration’s approach has emboldened Iran.
Soifer responded that Harris remains committed to eliminating threats like Hamas but contended that Trump’s approach could destabilize Israel’s security. She cited a recent incident in which Trump praised Hezbollah as “very smart” and suggested U.S. aid to Israel could be turned into loans. Such remarks, according to Soifer, raise concerns about Trump’s priorities and his commitment to U.S.–Israel security.
Antisemitism
The candidates clashed over accusations of antisemitism in U.S. politics. Soifer argued that Trump’s rhetoric often aligns with extremist views and cited his history of controversial statements, including his reference to “very fine people on both sides” after Charlottesville. She criticized Trump for aligning with Holocaust deniers, noting a troubling trend of former Trump advisors—such as Vice President Pence—publicly opposing his re-election.
Deutsch encouraged the audience to verify such claims through fact-checking and noted that many accusations had been debunked. He defended Trump’s record, pointing to his efforts in enacting Title VI protections for Jewish students and claiming that recent antisemitism on college campuses had been inadequately addressed by the current administration.
A Two-State Solution
On the topic of a two-state solution, both speakers acknowledged its diminished likelihood. Soifer argued that while Harris supports the two-state solution as official U.S. policy, she recognizes its immediate challenges. Deutsch echoed this sentiment, adding that Trump’s previous peace plans included two-state elements and that a peace process could be pursued under a second Trump administration.
Closing Arguments
In closing, Deutsch urged voters to consider Trump’s track record, which include four years of peace and prosperity. He contended that a vote for Trump is a vote for global stability, while Harris, he argued, may risk American safety. Soifer countered with a stark warning, referencing Maya Angelou: “When someone tells you who they are, believe them.” She described Trump as a bigot and an extremist, while Harris, she argued, represents a commitment to democratic values, reproductive rights, and Israel’s security.
