Tension continues to build ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United States Congress on Wednesday. Dozens of Democrats plan to boycott the speech, and protests are expected on Capitol Hill over Israel’s nine-month war with Hamas. Attention is also fixed on the families of hostages still held by Hamas who will be in the chamber. Eight US citizens are among the remaining 120 hostages held in Gaza since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Here’s the state of play ahead of the speech:

How can I tune in?

Netanyahu steps behind the podium at 2 p.m. Eastern time. C-SPAN will carry the speech on its website, and several news outlets will livestream on YouTube. Netanyahu makes history with his fourth address to a joint session, bypassing the record for a foreign leader of three that he shared with Winston Churchill.

Who plans to boycott?

Vice President Kamala Harris is the biggest name not in attendance on Wednesday. Nine Senate Democrats and 26 House Democrats have announced they will skip the speech. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) will also miss due to “duties to fulfill as the Republican nominee for vice president,” a Trump campaign adviser said.

A previously scheduled campaign stop meant Harris sidestepped the politically charged decision on whether to attend. She plans to meet with Netanyahu privately later this week. Harris is widely viewed to be left of President Joe Biden on the war in Gaza. Her absence Wednesday could indicate a frosty future relationship with Netanyahu if........

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