Netanyahu Address @ 1400ET; Will Speak To Biden, Harris Separately Thurs

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver his historic fourth address to a joint session of the US Congress at 1400ET (1900BST, 2000CET). Ther is notable focus on whether the PM delivers a rhetorically aggressive speech aimed at boosting his standing among his supporters and right-wing coalition partners domestically, or a more circumspect address cognisant of the notable divisions within US politics over the White House's continued support for Israel in its war in Gaza.

• The most notable absence from the speech will be Vice President Kamala Harris, who in her role as President of the Senate would usually preside over such high-profile events. She already had a pre-existing event in Indianapolis, but Israeli officials have called her absence 'disappointing'. A slew of Democratic party lawmakers, and some Republicans, have said they will not attend the address, with many opposing the IDF's tactics in Gaza.
• The White House has confirmed that Netanyahu will meet with President Joe Biden and VP (and strong favourite to be Democratic presidential nominee) Harris in separate meetings on Thursday 25 July. The PM will then hold a closed press meeting with Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday 26 July.
• Politico reports that Harris. "is planning to be tough on Netanyahu but will not be freelancing as the administration presses to close out a peace deal. The PM is no doubt aware that Harris has pressed Biden and his aides for months to speak more sympathetically about the Palestinians while also emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself."