Vice President Kamala Harris has decided not to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming address to Congress.
This choice aligns with several Democrats protesting Netanyahu's policies, notably in Gaza, exacerbating tensions between the U.S. and Israel, Mail Online reported.
In a break from the solidarity typically shown at such events, Harris will miss the speech due to prior commitments in Indianapolis. Consequently, this decision has yet to be well received by Netanyahu's administration, with officials expressing disappointment over her absence.
Alongside Vice President Harris, a significant number of Democratic representatives have chosen to boycott the Israeli Prime Minister's speech. They are protesting Netanyahu's aggressive military response in Gaza, especially following a devastating Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.
An Israeli official, rebuking this stance, emphasized the importance of recognizing "the good from evil" in geopolitical conflicts. This statement highlights the growing divide between specific U.S. political figures and the Israeli government.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been more vocal in her criticism of Israeli actions than President Joe Biden, especially after the Hamas attack, reflects a policy stance that may differ from current diplomatic norms. Harris's critique has focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as dire, with "starvation and inhumane conditions."
Kamala Harris once stated, "People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act."
Despite the political turmoil surrounding his visit, Netanyahu continued his itinerary, discussing U.S.-mediated peace talks and meeting with families of U.S. hostages held by Hamas.
However, discontent marked Netanyahu's visit, evident from demonstrations outside the Watergate Hotel upon his arrival. This indicates broader dissatisfaction within the U.S. and internationally concerning his policies and leadership style.
Scheduled meetings include one with Vice President Harris the day after her prior commitment to Indianapolis. While their meeting will proceed, her absence from the Congress speech remains a noteworthy point of contention.
As political tensions rise following Biden's recent announcement not to seek re-election, the U.S. political landscape appears increasingly complex.
Senator Patty Murray, breaking from tradition, chose not to preside over the joint Congress meeting, with Senator Ben Cardin stepping in to fill the role.
This incident vividly illustrates how U.S.-Israel relations are delicately balanced amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Aryeh Lightstone, a fervent supporter of Israel, criticized Harris's approach toward the Israeli state and its current leadership. He pointedly commented, "She [Harris] doesn't like the State of Israel. She certainly doesn't like the current government and she's not interested in engaging with it."
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's decision to skip Netanyahu's Congress speech highlights broader discontent with Israeli policies among Democratic lawmakers. Despite her absence, scheduled diplomatic engagements will continue, underlining the complex and multifaceted nature of U.S.-Israel relations in these turbulent times.
This episode reflects broader debates and divisions concerning policy approaches toward Israel, humanitarian issues in Gaza, and the responses to Hamas's actions in October.
