Vice President Harris Refuses to Preside over Netanyahu’s Congress Address
Washington, D.C. – In recent developments, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly declined to preside over the Senate chamber during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint meeting of Congress. This move is talked about by two people familiar with her plans, who chose to remain anonymous while discussing private conversations.
While Harris has chosen not to preside over the speech, she is expected to meet with Netanyahu at a separate point during his visit, according to a U.S. official. A meeting between Netanyahu and President Biden is also speculated, during the Prime Minister’s stay in Washington.
This development is significant in the light of Harris’s pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination in the wake of Biden’s departure from the campaign. The world would be watching closely how she handles the volatile issue of Israel’s war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on the country. Her team indicated that she would not oversee Netanyahu’s speech even before Biden announced his decision to opt-out of a reelection bid.
Divided Opinion
The Democratic party stands deeply divided over the war, prompting several liberal lawmakers to consider boycotting Netanyahu’s speech. They express concern that the Prime Minister could use their presence to strengthen his shaky political standing in Israel’s domestic politics.
In this setting, Republicans offer a unified stand in support of Netanyahu. They lashed out at Democrats for any disapproval of the Prime Minister’s policies while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) threatened to have anyone who disrupts the event arrested.
Who Would Preside?
With Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also refusing to preside over the joint meeting, that role would be performed by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, according to an individual familiar with his plans. Cardin, a Jew, is set to retire at the end of the year. This commotion over the presider of the Senate highlights the unease around the speech among Democrats.
While the Democratic party largely supported an increase in military support for Israel earlier this year, they are grappling with the humanitarian crisis that unfolded in Gaza in the wake of Netanyahu’s tactics.
Skeptical Attitude
In contrast to the outward unity, White House officials have privately tried to distance themselves from Netanyahu’s visit, claiming non-involvement in the invitation, according to two individuals who have spoken to senior officials directly. Meanwhile, as vice president, Harris has occasionally emerged as the highest-ranking member of the Biden administration to criticize the manner in which Israel has waged its war against Hamas. In particular, she has highlighted the scale of civilian casualties.
In her words from a December address, “As Israel defends itself, it matters how,” Harris said. “Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Frankly, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating.”
Over 39,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed during Israel’s assault, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, in the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack in Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and leaving hundreds more as hostages.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
