Sen. Bernie Sanders' declared refusal to attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s imminent Congressional address has stirred intense political debate.

Sanders has publicly declined to appear for a Congressional speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing him as a "war criminal," as Fox News reports.

The news follows the official endorsement of Netanyahu's invitation by U.S. legislative leaders. Last Friday, a bipartisan group from both the House and Senate supported the issuance of the the invitation despite ongoing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding war crimes potentially involving Netanyahu and other officials.

Background and Building Controversy

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) had previously announced his intention to extend an invitation to Netanyahu.

This move was made official last week, although it was not without its detractors. Senate Majority Member Chuck Schumer, who co-signed the invitation, had earlier expressed his reservations and advocated for Israeli elections to potentially replace Netanyahu during wartime.

Netanyahu's upcoming address marks his fourth before a joint session of U.S. Congress.

He expressed his eagerness about the opportunity to represent Israeli perspectives, particularly concerning Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The address is framed as part of an effort to elucidate the justifications behind Israel’s military actions.

The controversy over this invitation unfolds against the backdrop of an ICC investigation into war crimes, concerning both Israeli and Hamas leaders.

This international interest has fueled significant debate within U.S. political circles and the international community.

Religious and Diplomatic Tensions Highlighted

Notably, Sanders’ stance is also influenced by his own personal background.

Although of Jewish descent, he has disassociated himself from organized religion, which may inform his critical view of current Israeli policies under Netanyahu's leadership.

Netanyahu's address is timely, coinciding with discussions on a proposed ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

This ceasefire, backed by President Joe Biden, aims to end hostilities and includes stipulations for a lasting truce and the release of hostages.

However, a statement from Netanyahu’s office following Biden’s endorsement of the ceasefire shows a continuation of efforts to dismantle Hamas's capabilities fully. This indicates ongoing military objectives that might extend beyond immediate ceasefire negotiations.

Broader Implications for U.S.-Israeli Relations

President Biden has characterized the proposed ceasefire outline as comprehensive, allowing Israel to secure its aims while moving toward peace.

His comments came after noting that Hamas could no longer initiate attacks similar to those seen on Oct. 7, suggesting the possibility of a diminished threat from the group.

Amid these developments, Sanders' criticism represents a significant rift in the often-solid bipartisan support Israel receives in U.S. politics. His comments reflect a broader dialogue about the nature of Israeli actions and the international community’s response to them.