Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) reiterated his commitment to boycott Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress, condemning Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and criticizing his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. “Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal,” Sanders stated on Saturday. “He should not be invited to address a joint meeting of Congress. I certainly will not attend.”
Netanyahu was formally invited to speak before Congress by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), with the invitation also signed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). The address is expected within the next eight weeks.
Sanders has previously condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as creating “the worst humanitarian disaster in modern history.” Despite acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense following Hamas’ October 7 attack, Sanders criticized Israel’s response for the high civilian toll and infrastructure damage in Gaza. He cited over 34,000 civilian deaths, 80,000 injuries, 19,000 orphans, and the displacement of 75% of Gaza’s population. He also highlighted the destruction of healthcare facilities, schools, and universities, and the blockade of humanitarian aid.
Sanders supported International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan’s pursuit of arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of violating international law. “The ICC is right,” Sanders asserted. “Both of these people are engaged in clear and outrageous violations of international law.”
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