Breitbart reported last week that House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress.

However, one left-wing senator has condemned the move and made clear that he will be missing when Netanyahu shows up. 

Israeli prime minister is "excited for the privilege" to speak with lawmakers

Johnson extended the invitation this past Friday in a letter which was also signed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

I am honored to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress. pic.twitter.com/rYKx0Z1p93

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) May 31, 2024

According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu released a statement announcing that he has accepted the invitation to appear in Washington, although no date has been set thus far.

The Israeli prime minister said he is "excited for the privilege to present in front of the representatives of the American people and the entire world the truth about our just war against those who wish to kill us."

Bernie Sanders calls Netanyahu "a war criminal," won't attend speech

That announcement didn't go over well with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who voiced criticism of it in a statement of his own.

"It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited – by leaders from both parties – to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders declared on social media.

The independent lawmaker went on to accuse Netanyahu of being "a war criminal" before adding, "I certainly will not attend."

What's more, Sanders referenced a decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last month to issue a warrant for Netanyahu's arrest as well as that of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

"The ICC is right," Sanders declared before adding, "Both of these people are engaged in clear and outrageous violations of international law."

Democrats objected to Netanyahu's 2015 Capitol Hill address

This is not the first time Netanyahu has been asked to address members of Congress, as the Israeli prime minister previously did so nine years ago.

That appearance was similarly controversial, with Politico reporting that some Democrats accused Netanyahu of putting a "stick in the eye of" then-President Barack Obama.

In particular, Netanyahu took issue with the controversial nuclear agreement which the Obama administration was attempting to reach with Iran, calling it a "very bad deal."