The move is likely an attempt to distance herself from the Biden administration’s stance on the war in Gaza, which has rattled the Democratic Party. By distancing herself from the heavily pro-Israel stance of President Joe Biden, she could help neuter attacks from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Dozens of progressive Democrats are boycotting Netanyahu’s speech as well.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD) will preside over Netanyahu’s speech in Harris’s stead. He is retiring at the end of the year. Cardin is also the special representative on antisemitism, racism, and intolerance for the 57-nation Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly.
Harris will instead meet with Netanyahu at another more private point during the Israeli leader’s stay, according to multiple reports. Biden is expected to meet with him as well.