The Israeli prime minister has warned about the dangers of the Iranian nuclear program for two decades. He has shaped the debate, but will he influence the final outcome?
The reaction to the Israeli prime minister's speech on Iran to a joint meeting of Congress is, so far, along partisan lines. In Israel, too, reaction is mixed. Iran calls it "boring and repetitive."
The Israeli prime minister said his country has a "profound disagreement" with the White House on nuclear talks with Iran, and it is his duty to speak up on an issue that affects Israel's survival.
The Israeli premier's remarks are the culmination of a controversy that began in January when he was invited — without input from the White House — to make the speech.
But, the Israeli premier told AIPAC, reports of a decline in ties between the allies were "not only premature, they're just wrong." The remarks come amid tensions between the countries.
The Israeli leader will meet with Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., after his March 3 speech. Also, two senior Obama administration officials will address the AIPAC conference.
Secretary of State John Kerry questioned the Israeli leader's "judgment" on talks with Iran. Earlier, National Security Adviser Susan Rice said Netanyahu's address to Congress was hurting relations.
Senators Dianne Feinstein and Dick Durbin had invited Benjamin Netanyahu for a closed-door meeting during his trip to Washington next week. Netanyahu was invited to speak to Congress by Republicans.
A White House spokeswoman, said the U.S. wanted "to avoid the appearance of influencing a democratic election." Israel's election is March 17. Netanyahu is due to address Congress March 3.
The White House, which was not informed of the invitation, called it a departure from diplomatic protocol. House Speaker John Boehner said, "Congress can make this decision on its own."
