Israel was irritated by Kamala Harris’ attitude towards the policy of the Netanyahu government in Gaza. Israeli officials have slammed the US vice president, the Democratic presidential nominee, over her statement that the time has come to end the war in Gaza given the suffering it has caused to its population.

Harris’ comments during a press conference after her meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu reflect her increasing pressure to the Israeli prime minister from different sides of the political spectrum to reach a deal with Hamas and end the war in Gaza.

“There has been an optimistic movement in the talks to secure a deal and as I just told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu it is time for a deal,” Harris said.

Netanyahu on Wednesday called for more military aid from the US, saying it was the best way to restore peace in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

An Israeli official, who asked not to be named, expressed hope that Harris’ comments would not be interpreted by Hamas as something that suggests a divide between the US and Israel “and therefore removes the possibility of agreement”.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate for November’s election, have both called for a quick end to the war, which followed an attack on Israel by Hamas militants last October.

Netanyahu is expected to meet with Trump later today.

Both Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, leaders of two hardline religious nationalist parties whose support is vital to Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition, condemned Harris’ comments.

“Mrs Candidatethere will be no cessation of hostilities,” Ben-Gvir wrote on social networking site X.

Harris took a tougher tone in her comments than Biden, who also pressed Netanyahu to finalize a deal with Hamas that would end the war and lead to the release of Israeli hostages.

Harris defended Israel’s right to defend itself, but her comments suggested she is losing patience with the Netanyahu government.

“We cannot allow ourselves to do not touch us and I will not be silent”he said.