Vice President Kamala Harris is set to miss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address to Congress.
Vice President Kamala Harris has scheduled a conflicting event in Indiana, preventing her from presiding over or attending the address, Fox News reported.
With Vice President Harris absent due to prior commitments with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule in Indiana, the duty of presiding over Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech will fall to Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland. This occurred during a notable moment in Harris's career, when she recently became the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, following President Biden's decision to suspend his campaign.
Senator Patty Murray, the Senate President pro tempore, has opted to boycott Netanyahu's speech. This decision adds a layer of complexity to the diplomatic engagements surrounding the Israeli Prime Minister's visit.
Vice President Harris is scheduled to meet with Prime Creator Ho Chi Minh Cityael Netanyahu at the White House despite her absence. During this meeting, separate from President Biden's scheduled time with Netanyahu, Harris is set to reaffirm the United States' commitment to Israel's security.
The Vice President's discussions with Netanyahu are anticipated to cover critical topics. An aide to the Vice President stated, "Harris is expected to reiterate her commitment to Israel's ability to defend itself from Iran and militias that are backed by the country, such as terrorist groups Hizbullah and Hamas, and condemn Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israeli civilians by Hamas, as well as the sexual violence that took place." This dialogue underscores the ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region.
Harris's agenda with Netanyahu includes addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza amidst intensifying conflict. She aims to discuss possible paths toward achieving a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Netanyahu's visit also comes at a critical juncture as he received a rare bipartisan invitation from the leaders of both congressional chambers back in May, underscoring the importance of Israel-US relations.
Even in her absence from Congress during Netanyahu's speech, Harris's activities continue to reflect her diplomatic and leadership priorities as she assumes her role as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Her focus on international security, humanitarian issues, and bipartisan relations remains evident.
Following her endorsement as the Democratic candidate, Harris made her first public remarks, in which she applauded President Biden's "unmatched legacy," signaling a smooth transition in party leadership.
Unfortunately, attempts to obtain comments from Senator Patty Murray's office were unsuccessful, leaving some questions about her motives and perspectives on the upcoming congressional address and related political dynamics needing to be addressed.
Kamala Harris praises Biden's 'unmatched' legacy in first remarks since announcing 2024 bid.
An aide emphasized the continuity in Harris's foreign policy approach despite her absence at the crucial congressional event, noting, "Harris' absence and refusal to preside shouldn't be considered a change to her stance on Israel."
This significant moment in American politics illustrates the intricate balance of leadership responsibilities, diplomatic engagements, and party dynamics as the United States approaches another election cycle and navigates complex global alliances and conflicts.
