Vice President Kamala Harris has declined to preside over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress scheduled for Wednesday. Harris, who is currently in Indiana for a previously scheduled event, will not be in attendance at the address.

In her absence, the task would typically fall to Senate President pro tempore Patty Murray, D-Wash. However, Murray has reportedly refused to preside over the address and will be boycotting it. Efforts to reach Murray's office for comment were unsuccessful.

When asked whether Harris would have agreed to preside over the address if she were in Washington, D.C., her office declined to answer hypothetical questions.

Netanyahu's address to Congress was initially scheduled after being invited by bipartisan leaders of both chambers in May. With both Harris and Murray absent, the session will now be presided over by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who is retiring after this Congress.

While Harris will not be present at the joint address, an aide emphasized that her absence should not be interpreted as a change in her stance on Israel. Harris remains committed to Israel's ability to defend itself from Iran and supported terrorist groups like Hizbullah and Hamas.

During her separate meeting with Netanyahu at the White House this week, Harris is expected to reiterate her condemnation of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians, as well as the sexual violence that occurred. She will also express concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and call for an end to the ongoing war in a way that ensures a secure Israel and the release of all hostages, while restoring the rights of civilians in Gaza.

The vice president's focus during the meeting with Netanyahu will be on efforts to reach a ceasefire deal. The meeting with Harris is separate from President Biden's planned meeting with the Israeli prime minister.