Vice President Kamala Harris did not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the U.S. Congress. With the election just over 100 days away, her absence seems to signal a distancing from President Joe Biden’s Middle East policies, which Arab and progressive voters have not well received.
During his joint address to Congress yesterday, Netanyahu compared Israel against Palestine as “the challenges between good and evil” and a “clash between barbarism and civilization.” He stated, “Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory.”
This emphasizes the need for the U.S. and Israel to present a united front in their conflict with Hamas. Analysts view the speech as acknowledging the presence of anti-Israel sentiment within the United States.
Traditionally, the vice president attends events like the ex officio President of the Senate. However, Vice President Kamala Harris did not participate and instead traveled to Indiana to attend previously scheduled campaign events.
U.S. media outlets suggest that her absence reflects the Democratic Party’s progressive fundamentals before the election.
The Hill commented on the generational differences within the Democratic leadership, noting, “At 59, Harris represents a different generation than the 81-year-old President Biden.” It also highlighted differing political views, adding, “Biden’s strong support for Israel does not resonate with younger Democrats.”
Over 5,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., calling for the U.S. to stop supplying weapons to Israel. Some protesters broke through police barricades, prompting officers to deploy tear gas.
During the speech, Republican lawmakers gave Netanyahu a standing ovation while many Democrats remained silent. Reports revealed that some Democratic lawmakers displayed minor signs with phrases like “war criminal.”
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