Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over or attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress on Wednesday, citing a previously scheduled event in Indiana. Her absence highlights growing tensions as another top Democrat, Senate President pro tempore Patty Murray, has decided to boycott the event entirely.
In a letter reviewed by Fox News, Harris' aide explained that the Vice President will be in Indianapolis attending the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule, an international conference, during Netanyahu's address. Harris, who recently became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president following President Biden's campaign suspension, will meet with Netanyahu later in the week at the White House.
When asked if Harris would have presided over the address had she been in Washington, her aide declined to answer hypothetical questions. This leaves Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who is retiring after this Congress, to preside over the session.
Murray's office did not respond to requests for comment. Her decision to boycott, along with dozens of other liberal lawmakers, underscores the contentious nature of Netanyahu's visit, particularly given his administration's actions in Gaza. "Securing a lasting, mutual ceasefire is of the utmost importance right now," Murray said in a statement to NBC News. "I hope Prime Minister Netanyahu will use the opportunity to address how he plans to secure a ceasefire-and lasting peace in the region."
Netanyahu's address comes as he seeks to bolster U.S. support amid increasing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister's visit is intended to strengthen Israel's relationship with its closest ally as he faces international pressure to end the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu has asserted that Israel remains "America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East," regardless of the upcoming U.S. presidential election outcomes.
Meeting with Biden and Harris
Netanyahu plans to meet with President Biden later in the week, although the exact timing is unclear as Biden recovers from Covid-19. Reuters reported that the meeting would likely take place on Thursday. Netanyahu also expressed his intention to thank Biden for his support during the war, which began after Hamas launched attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties and hostages.
The meeting between Harris and Netanyahu is expected to focus on Israel's right to defend itself, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and efforts to reach a ceasefire. Harris will reiterate her condemnation of the October 7 attack by Hamas and express concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a secure Israel and the release of all hostages.
Internal and External Pressures
Netanyahu's visit has stirred controversy in the U.S., with protests expected to call for an end to the war. Back home, he faces pressure from families of hostages held by Hamas and from rights groups. The International Court of Justice recently ruled that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories violates international law, adding to the mounting pressure on Netanyahu.
Netanyahu's meeting with U.S. officials is seen as an attempt to solidify bipartisan support in Congress. An Israeli government spokesman noted that Netanyahu's address aims to "anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel."
Democratic Discontent
The decision by key Democratic figures to distance themselves from Netanyahu's address reflects broader discontent within the party. Harris' and Murray's absences signal a growing rift over the U.S.'s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly as liberal lawmakers advocate for more robust action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Former officials and analysts suggest that Harris, who has shown empathy for Palestinian civilians and criticized Israeli policies, may play a crucial role in shaping future U.S.-Israel relations. Nimrod Goren, a senior fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute, noted that Harris' meeting with Netanyahu now carries significant weight. "Meeting with Kamala Harris gets a new layer of importance now," Goren said.
