Republican lawmakers are criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for choosing to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress in favor of speaking at a women’s convention, calling her decision “shameful.” Netanyahu is set to deliver his address to a joint session of Congress amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, a terrorist group.
Harris, who is likely to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024 after President Biden withdrew from the race, opted out of presiding over Netanyahu’s address and will instead address the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis, Indiana. This decision has sparked backlash from several Republican officials.
Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Harris’ choice, calling it “inexcusable” and insisting that she should be held accountable for not attending Netanyahu’s speech. Other Republican lawmakers, such as Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Jim Baird, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Gov. Greg Abbott, have also condemned Harris for skipping the address, accusing her of showing antisemitism and disrespect towards a crucial American ally.
Despite the criticism, an aide to the vice president revealed that Harris will meet with Netanyahu at the White House during his visit to Washington, D.C., even though she will not be present at his address to Congress. The decision to skip the speech has drawn further ire from Republicans, with Sen. Rick Scott accusing Harris of giving in to the radical left’s antisemitism and disrespecting Israel.
The absence of both President Biden and Vice President Harris to greet Netanyahu upon his arrival on Monday has intensified the criticism towards the administration. Biden, who was in Delaware recovering from COVID-19, and Harris were not present to welcome the Israeli Prime Minister, further fueling the controversy surrounding their treatment of the longstanding U.S. ally.
Harris’ decision to skip Netanyahu’s address and the subsequent criticism from Republican lawmakers highlight the ongoing tensions within the political landscape regarding foreign policy and relations with key allies. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact diplomatic efforts and international partnerships moving forward.
