Washington – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled speech to the U.S. Congress in March could damage the Obama administration’s attempts to broker a deal with Iran on nuclear weapons development, the senior U.S. House of Representatives Democrat said on Wednesday.
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“Such a presentation could send the wrong message in terms of giving diplomacy a chance,” said Representative Nancy Pelosi during a news conference on the sidelines of an annual retreat for Democratic lawmakers.
But Pelosi stopped short of saying that the invitation to Netanyahu should be withdrawn by House Speaker John Boehner.
Earlier this month Boehner invited Netanyahu to speak to a joint session of the House and Senate and the speech is scheduled for March 3, just two weeks before the Israeli leader stands for re-election on March 17.
Boehner, who did not consult with the White House before extending the invitation, has defended his surprise invitation.
A spokesman for Pelosi said she spoke by telephone on Wednesday with Netanyahu, but he did not provide further details.
“It’s a serious big honor that we extend (to Netanyahu). That it should be extended two weeks before an election in the country without collaboration (with) the leaders in Congress and without collaboration with the White House is not appropriate,” Pelosi said.
The Obama administration has been involved in protracted talks with Tehran on stemming Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon. It is hoping to wrap up those talks by the end of March.
Members of Congress have been threatening additional sanctions on Iran if a satisfactory deal is not reached.
Bibi should cancel his coming & finish, he is NOT welcoming here,
as saying goes the truth hurts!
Does anyone believe we are obligated to respect this ignoramus who is conspiring with the WH to put the world at risk, with Israel as the first target of a nuclear Iran?
BS’d. Pelosi is concerned that Netanyahu’s speech will hurt HER.
The foolish feel good democrats STILL dont get that Iran is BAD BAD BAD! #LiberalismIsAdisease
“Pelosi Says Netanyahu Speech To U.S. Congress Could Hurt Iran Talks
Washington”
And your mouth, Pelosi, could hurt while USA, so please, shut up!
Or go visit again your old buddy Murderer Assad!
That’s exactly why he’s coming.
The Administration doesn’t want foreign leaders to lobby Congress, yet the hypocrites brought in England’s leader to lobby Congress for its position.
This is an existential issue for Israel and Netanyahu would be derelict in his duties if he didn’t do everything to stop Iran. There is a report based on a letter that Democrat Senators sent Obama that indicates that the Senate is nearing the numbers needed to override an Obama veto.
Obama lied again (big surprise there) about the sanction bill. The bill says that sanctions would only go into effect if Iran doesn’t comply by a certain date, not how it’s being presented. Carrots with no stick will never work with Iran. Only a fool or someone intent on Iran getting the bomb would negotiate this way.
Pelosi is concerned that Netanyahu speaking before Congress will tank negotiations over its nuclear program? What is she saying, that after the speech, the chief Iranian negotiator is going to say” That’s it! I’m going home. No more Mr Nice Guy!”?
Only in modern American politics, headed by the worst president in our history, can our best ally in a neighborhood on fire, be humiliated and attacked for merely telling the world the truth about Iran.