News Digest

Ironing the wrinkles, Netanyahu explains Israel’s take on Iran

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Monday that his plans to address Congress are not aimed at disrespecting President Barack Obama, even as he assailed the U.S. leader’s bid for a nuclear deal with Iran as a threat to his country’s survival. In a preview of his speech to lawmakers, Netanyahu suggested that Obama did not understand the depth of Israeli concerns about Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear bomb. His remarks came at the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Reports of the demise of the Israeli-U.S. relationship is not only premature, they’re just wrong. Our alliance is stronger than ever.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also defended Israel’s military history

His speech was bracketed by speeches from a pair of senior U.S. officials: U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power and National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Power spoke warmly of the ties between the longtime allies, saying the relationship “should never be politicized.”