Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has defended his decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress, despite facing criticism from progressive Democrats. Schumer clarified that while he holds "clear and profound disagreements" with Netanyahu, the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel is more important than any individual leader.

In a statement released Thursday night, Schumer expressed his stance, stating, "America's relationship with Israel is ironclad and transcends one person or prime minister. I joined the request for him to speak." The invitation extended to Netanyahu came from House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, and Schumer's decision to join was met with mixed reactions.

Shortly after the invitation was extended, the date for Netanyahu's address to Congress was announced. The Israeli Prime Minister is set to deliver remarks to lawmakers on July 24, just before the August recess. Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the invitation, stating he is "very moved to have the privilege of representing Israel before both Houses of Congress and to present the truth about our just war against those who seek to destroy us to the representatives of the American people and the entire world."

However, progressives within Congress have voiced their disapproval of the invitation, with some lawmakers announcing their plans not to attend Netanyahu's address. Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, released a statement calling it a "very sad day" for the country and criticizing Netanyahu as a "war criminal." Sanders confirmed that he will not be attending the address.

Similarly, other Democrats, such as Representative Greg Casar from Texas and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, have expressed reservations about attending the speech. Casar stated that he will participate in advocacy efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas instead of attending, while Ocasio-Cortez suggested she may also choose not to attend.

The International Criminal Court's recent request for warrants for both Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes has further intensified the controversy surrounding the Israeli Prime Minister. The ICC's decision has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including President Joe Biden.

Schumer's clarification statement did not directly address the concerns raised by progressive Democrats. Earlier this year, Schumer had called for new elections in Israel, urging the country to replace Netanyahu as prime minister. He had criticized Netanyahu for prioritizing his political survival over the best interests of Israel.

As the date for Netanyahu's address approaches, the debate surrounding his presence in Congress continues to unfold, highlighting the ongoing divisions within the Democratic party on the issue of U.S.-Israel relations.