Massachusetts delegation divided on Netanyahu speech
Other members – including Reps. Niki Tsongas, Seth Moulton and Joe Kennedy – said they’re planning to attend even though they don’t support how Speaker John Boehner set up the speech.
Tsongas said Israel remains the country’s strongest ally in the region, but said she was disappointed with what Democrats have portrayed as Boehner’s snubbing of the White House.
“I plan on attending Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech but remain disappointed that Speaker Boehner chose to ignore normal protocol that has turned the visit into a partisan issue and distracted attention from critical issues of mutual concern,” Tsongas said.
Other members planning to attend include Sen. Edward Markey and Reps. Stephen Lynch and William Keating.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office didn’t immediately confirm whether she’ll attend or not.
Netanyahu’s already tense relationship with President Barack Obama has reached a new low as a result of the planned speech.
The Israeli leader is deeply suspicious of Obama’s efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran, fearing the U.S. and its negotiating partners are prepared to leave Tehran on the cusp of developing a nuclear weapon. Netanyahu stressed he would speak clearly before Congress about the threat a nuclear Iran would pose to Israel and the world.
Netanyahu told a Jewish lobby group on Monday that his speech is not intended to inject Israel into American political debates.
The speech comes two weeks before Israeli elections.
via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1GdcL0H
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