Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen not to preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. Harris' assistant explained that a previously planned event was the reason for his absence. However, the vice president will meet with Netanyahu separately later this week, a date for which has yet to be announced.
This meeting will be Harris' first with a world leader since President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election campaign and endorsed his candidacy. Harris is expected to focus on the Gaza conflict during the meeting, emphasizing the need for Israel's right to self-defense, condemning the October 7 attack by Hamas and expressing concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza .
The vice president is expected to communicate her belief that the war must end in a way that ensures Israel's safety, frees all hostages and ends the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The meeting will also involve discussions to reach an agreement on the ceasefire agreement.
On Wednesday, Harris plans to address the Zeta Phi Beta sorority Grand Boule in Indianapolis as part of an initiative to engage black women voters. His aide clarified that his trip to Indianapolis on July 24 does not indicate a change in his position on Israel.
Harris was not the only Democrat who declined to chair Netanyahu's speech. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray also declined to preside, and Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin took over.
Netanyahu, who arrived in Washington, DC on Monday, is expected to meet with the families of those held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, including Americans. He also plans to meet with congressional leaders on Wednesday. Meanwhile, President Biden is expected to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday, although the date may change as the president recovers from Covid-19.
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