Kamala Harris might urge Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Israel-Hamas conflict during Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, the vice president’s aide said on Tuesday.
“We anticipate the vice president will 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.And they will discuss efforts to reach agreement on the ceasefire deal,” the aide told PTI.
“The vice president is meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week at the White House. This meeting is separate from President Biden’s planned meeting. The vice president is travelling to Indianapolis on July 24 for a previously scheduled event and will be unable to preside over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s planned address to a joint session of Congress,” they added.
Netanyahu is set to speak before the US Congress on Wednesday, marking his fourth address, the highest number by any foreign leader. Typically overseen by the US vice president, Kamala Harris will be absent due to prior commitments in Indianapolis.
Criticising Harris for skipping the meeting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Madam Vice President, you say you want to be the leader of the free world and yet you can’t bring yourself to sit behind our most important strategic ally at this moment. That is not a good look for you. It’s not a good look for America. It’s not a good look for her party that she aims to lead.”
“We anticipate the vice president will 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.And they will discuss efforts to reach agreement on the ceasefire deal,” the aide told PTI.
“The vice president is meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu this week at the White House. This meeting is separate from President Biden’s planned meeting. The vice president is travelling to Indianapolis on July 24 for a previously scheduled event and will be unable to preside over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s planned address to a joint session of Congress,” they added.
Netanyahu is set to speak before the US Congress on Wednesday, marking his fourth address, the highest number by any foreign leader. Typically overseen by the US vice president, Kamala Harris will be absent due to prior commitments in Indianapolis.
Criticising Harris for skipping the meeting, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “Madam Vice President, you say you want to be the leader of the free world and yet you can’t bring yourself to sit behind our most important strategic ally at this moment. That is not a good look for you. It’s not a good look for America. It’s not a good look for her party that she aims to lead.”