Kamala Harris to skip Netanyahu's joint address to Congress, speak at black sorority convention instead

Vice President Kamala Harris will be noticeably absent during Wednesday’s joint session of Congress for a speech by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Instead of attending, Harris will be going to Indianapolis to address members of the historically black sorority Zeta Phi Beta at their annual convention.

Many anti-Israel Democrats are boycotting the speech. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), would be next in line to preside over the session as the Senate’s president pro tempore but will be joining the progressive’s boycott, according to The Hill. Murray said in a statement to the outlet, “I do not plan to attend Wednesday’s address. Securing a lasting, mutual ceasefire is of the utmost importance right now, and I will continue to push for one to be reached as soon as possible.”

She added, “I hope Prime Minister Netanyahu will use the opportunity to address how he plans to secure a ceasefire—and lasting peace in the region. The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad, and reaching a lasting ceasefire is critical so that we can see the remaining hostages are finally released, a surge of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the rebuilding of Gaza, and ultimately, enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike living side by side in two states.”

Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) will preside over the joint session, filling the role typically held by the vice president.

On Monday, Netanyahu arrived at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC, but no high-profile members of the Biden administration were there to greet him. Traveling with the prime minister and his wife were also family members of the hostages taken on Oct 7.

Later in the day, representatives for Harris confirmed she would meet with the Israeli leader on Tuesday despite conflicting reports about whether the meeting was happening.

Harris previously wouldn't rule out "consequences" for Israel if they pursued an invasion into the terrorist stronghold of Rafah and criticized the Jewish state for creating what she called a "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.