In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris will be absent from Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's address to Congress on July 24th. As the president of the Senate, Harris would typically oversee such events alongside Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. However, she has opted to attend a prior engagement with Zeta Phi Beta, a historically black sorority, in Indianapolis.

Republicans, who are known for their staunch support of Israel, have labeled Harris' decision as "outrageous." The absence of the vice-presidential nominee from an address by a key foreign leader has raised eyebrows and fueled political debate.

The event, in which Netanyahu is scheduled to address a joint meeting of Congress, serves as an important platform for the Israeli leader to discuss key issues and objectives for his country's foreign policy. Typically, this high-profile address is overseen by the vice-president and the speaker of the House, highlighting the significance of Harris' absence.

Harris, as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and the presumptive nominee for vice president, has chosen to prioritize her attendance at the Zeta Phi Beta event in Indianapolis. This decision may be seen as an effort to connect with a historically black organization and engage in discussions surrounding important issues within the African American community.

However, critics argue that her absence from Netanyahu's address is a missed opportunity to demonstrate unity and bipartisan support for Israel. Republicans, in particular, have strongly embraced a pro-Israel stance in recent years, making Harris' decision to skip the address a point of contention.

The controversy surrounding Harris' absence underscores the stark ideological differences between the two major political parties when it comes to the U.S.-Israel relationship. As the general election draws closer, it is likely that this incident will continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny.

It remains to be seen how Harris' decision will impact her standing with different voter demographics, particularly those who prioritize foreign policy issues and the U.S.-Israel alliance. As the campaign progresses, both Republicans and Democrats will undoubtedly continue to highlight their differing approaches to international relations, further shaping the conversation ahead of the November election.