Benjamin Netanyahu gives a speech at the Grand Synagogue in Paris / Getty Images[/caption]The Israeli prime minister is expected to warn US lawmakers about the alleged threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. He has been a strong opponent of a deal between Tehran and international mediators.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called himself an emissary ofall Israelis and Jews, ashe was boarding a plane Sunday todeliver a long-anticipated speech inUS Congress.Netanyahu is expected towarn US lawmakers aboutthe alleged threat posed byIran's nuclear program. The Israeli leader has been a strong opponent ofa deal betweenTehran and international mediators, that would ease uppressure onIran inexchange forguarantees that it will not develop nuclear weapons.
"I'm leaving forWashington ona fateful, even historic mission. I feel that I am an emissary ofall Israel's citizens, even those who don't agree withme. For the entire Jewish people," Netanyahu said, asquoted bythe Jerusalem Post.
The Israeli prime minister was invited toaddress a joint session ofCongress onMarch 3 byUS House ofRepresentatives Speaker John Boehner. The invitation has stirred upcontroversy afterthe White House accused Boehner ofviolating protocol. Boehner argued that he wished togive Netanyahu a chance toexpress his viewpoint.Earlier this week, the White House stated that US President Barack Obama would not be meeting withNetanyahu toavoid making an impression ofinterfering inIsrael's politics prior tothe March 17 elections inthe country. US Vice President Joe Biden said he would not attend Netanyahu's speech due toprior travel commitments.
By Sputnik News
