Kamala Harris to Skip Netanyahu's Address to Congress Amidst Gaza Conflict

Prime Minister Netanyahu's Joint Address to Congress Amidst Gaza Conflict

Vice President Harris Abstains from Presiding over Address

Vice President Kamala Harris will not preside over or attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the White House said that President Joe Biden and Harris "believe it is important to show our support for Israel during this time of conflict, but they also believe that it is essential that the United States maintain a posture of impartiality and allow all parties to participate fully in the upcoming address."

The White House added that Biden and Harris "are committed to working with both sides to achieve a lasting peace in the region." Prime Minister Netanyahu's address is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET on Wednesday. It will be the first time he has addressed a joint session of Congress since 2015.

The conflict in Gaza began on May 10, 2021, when Hamas militants fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations, which have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children.

The United Nations has called for a ceasefire, but both Israel and Hamas have rejected the call. The conflict has raised concerns about a wider regional war.