Vice President Kamala Harris is navigating crucial foreign policy decisions this week, particularly concerning Israel. Amid tensions, she chose not to attend Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, opting instead for a pre-scheduled event in Indiana. This decision comes at a time when her stance on Israel is under scrutiny as she becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 23, 2024, at her first presidential campaign rally. 
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty Image
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Harris is expected to articulate her position on Israel more clearly following her upcoming meeting with Netanyahu. Her approach seeks to balance independence from President Biden while maintaining alignment on key issues. This is part of broader discussions within U.S. politics about the future of the Israel-U.S. relationship, especially as the political landscape in Israel shifts rightward.

The complexities of Harris’s position are echoed in the broader Democratic Party, which is grappling with diverse views on Israel and Palestinian relations. Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff, emphasized her strong support for Israel in a recent address, countering accusations of her wavering stance.

As Harris prepares for potential leadership, her strategies and diplomatic choices are being closely watched, marking a pivotal moment in her political career and in U.S. foreign policy.

Re-reported from the article originally published in CNN.