Kamala Harris and Netanyahu Hold Brief Discussions

Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Thursday afternoon. The meeting, held in the Vice President’s ceremonial office, marked Harris's first interaction with a world leader since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

• The meeting occurred in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, across the street from the White House.

• Harris and Netanyahu shook hands, exchanged brief pleasantries, and posed for photos without taking questions from the press.

• Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Harris’s opponent, former President Donald Trump, at Mar-a-Lago on Friday.

"Welcome, Mr. Prime Minister, and I look forward to our conversation. We have lots to talk about," Harris stated, setting the tone for the meeting.

Outside the White House, protests erupted with demonstrators holding an effigy of Netanyahu in a prison jumpsuit, symbolizing their discontent with his policies.

Harris has recently faced criticism for her stance on Israel. In a March speech in Selma, Alabama, she called for an “immediate ceasefire” and urged Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, drawing ire from pro-Israel advocates. “No excuses,” Harris emphasized. “They must open new border crossings and ensure humanitarian aid is delivered without unnecessary restrictions.”

Contrarily, reports from the Jerusalem Post have noted that Hamas has rejected ceasefire offers and has been involved in obstructing aid.

Despite her current critical stance, Harris's past interactions with Israel were notably supportive. At a 2017 AIPAC conference, she affirmed, “the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable.” That year, she also visited Israel with her husband, Doug Emhoff, marking his first visit to the country.

On Wednesday, Harris opted not to preside over Netanyahu’s address to a joint session of Congress, choosing instead to attend a convention for the Zeta Phi Beta sorority in Indiana.

Earlier on Thursday, Netanyahu met with President Biden, reflecting on their decades-long relationship. “Mr. President, we have known each other for 40 years,” Netanyahu remarked. Biden reciprocated, highlighting his long-standing support for Israel.

Netanyahu and Biden also took time to meet with the families of American hostages at the White House, underscoring the enduring alliance and shared concerns between the two nations.

Please share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.