Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday morning despite concerns from the White House and the absence of dozens of Democrats.

With an invitation by House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, Netanyahu spoke about the potential dangers of a nuclear weapons deal by Iran and the U.S. Boehner invited Netanyahu without the White House's acknowledgment. The Obama administration has since criticized Boehner's action but defended the diplomatic relationship with Israel.

During an interview with Reuters, Obama said the U.S. and Israel share the common goal of blocking nuclear weapons from Iran, but he acknowledged there is "substantial disagreement" on how to achieve such terms.

Obama said he understands Netanyahu's concerns, but he added, "We think it's a mistake for the prime minister of any country to come to speak before Congress a few weeks before they are about to have an election. It makes it look like we are taking sides."

He continued, "And the concern is, not only does it look like it politicizes the relationship but what's also a problem is when the topic of the prime minister's speech is an area where the executive branch -- the U.S. president and his team -- have a disagreement with the other side."

Netanyahu made his speech, but immediately acknowledging Obama's support for Israel.

"We appreciate all that President Obama has done for Israel ... like strengthening security cooperation and intelligence sharing, opposing anti-Israel resolutions at the U.N.," said Netanyahu, adding additional circumstances Obama provided assistance that has been "less well-known" in the media.

"In each of those moments, I called the president, and he was there. And some of what the president has done for Israel might never be known, because it touches on some of the most sensitive and strategic issues that arise between an American president and an Israeli prime minister. But I know it, and I will always be grateful to President Obama for that support," said Netanyahu.

After stating Israel is "grateful" to the U.S. Congress, he spoke about the main purpose for the address: Iran. The Israeli prime minister said the Jewish people are threatened by Iran and its leader, Ayatollah Khameni. Netanyahu mentioned the Iranian leader's usage of Twitter, tweeting about Israel's existence.

"Iran's goons in Gaza, its lackeys in Lebanon, its revolutionary guards on the Golan Heights are clutching Israel with three tentacles of terror," said Netanyahu. "Backed by Iran, Assad is slaughtering Syrians. Back by Iran, Shiite militias are rampaging through Iraq. Back by Iran, Houthis are seizing control of Yemen, threatening the strategic straits at the mouth of the Red Sea. Along with the Straits of Hormuz, that would give Iran a second choke-point on the world's oil supply."

He later referenced the Islamic State militant group, also referred to as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), as having similar goals as Iran. The prime minister said, "The difference is that ISIS is armed with butcher knives, captured weapons and YouTube, whereas Iran could soon be armed with intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs. We must always remember -- I'll say it one more time -- the greatest dangers facing our world is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons. To defeat ISIS and let Iran get nuclear weapons would be to win the battle, but lose the war. We can't let that happen."

While he acknowledged some restrictions would be imposed on Iran as a result of the potential nuclear program deal, Netanyahu claimed none of the nuclear facilities would be demolished and the program would be "largely intact."

More than 50 congressional Democrats passed on Netanyahu's address, including Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa of Texas, Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona and Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois.

"After consulting with my colleagues, my staff, my family, and my conscience, I will regretfully not be attending the address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the House Chamber on Tuesday," Gutierrez wrote in an op-ed.

Gutierrez explained he is a support of Israel and its people, but he does not want to participate in a political stunt that "may have short-term payoffs for partisanship and the conservative parties in both Israel and the United States at the expense of long-term damage to one of the most important international relationships the United States has -- and the most important international relationship the Israelis have."

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