Harris plans private meeting with Netanyahu as she skips congressional address

Vice President Kamala Harris will not attend Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress but will conduct a separate bilateral meeting with the Israeli prime minister this week at the White House, according to a Harris aide who was granted anonymity to discuss internal plans.

Harris was scheduled to attend an event for the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indianapolis before the Israeli prime minister’s address date was set. The conflict allows Harris to circumvent the question of whether to attend the address, a political challenge for many Democrats who oppose the way Israel is conducting the war in Gaza.

In her one-on-meeting with Netanyahu, Harris plans to reiterate her commitment to Israel’s security and right to defend itself but will also “convey her view that it is time for the war to end in a way where Israel is secure, all hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can enjoy their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination,” the aide said.

Harris also plans to discuss the ongoing negotiations on a cease-fire deal.

There’s been some daylight between Harris and President Joe Biden on the issue of Israel and Gaza for months. Since the beginning of the war, Harris has been telling colleagues in the administration, including Biden, that she wants the White House to show more concern publicly for the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

One person close to the vice president’s office said she believes the United States should be “tougher” on Netanyahu. She has called for being “more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution,” this person said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who would have been next in line to preside over Netanyahu’s joint address, declined to do so, according to a spokesperson. The person also told POLITICO the senator won't be attending the address at all. A growing number of congressional Democrats are boycotting the event.

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) will instead be the senator behind Netanyahu on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the plans who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Meanwhile, Capitol Police officials have warned lawmakers and staff about protesters in the days leading up to the visit from Netanyahu. There will be increased security around the Capitol complex, especially Wednesday when Netanyahu is scheduled to speak.