Netanyahu warns US 'bad deal' would put Iran on nuclear path
By DEB RIECHMANN and ARON HELLER

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a direct challenge to the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood before Congress on Tuesday and bluntly warned the U.S. that an emerging nuclear agreement with Iran "paves Iran's path to the bomb." President Barack Obama pushed back sternly, saying the U.S. would never sign such a deal and Netanyahu was offering no useful alternative.

In the U.S. spotlight for a day, the Israeli leader showed no uncertainty. "This is a bad deal. It is a very bad deal. We are better off without it," he declared in an emotionally charged speech that was arranged by Republicans, aggravated his already-strained relations with Obama and gambled with the longstanding bipartisan congressional support for Israel.

Two weeks ahead of voting in his own re-election back home, Netanyahu took the podium of the U.S. House where presidents often make major addresses, contending that any nuclear deal with Iran could threaten his nation's survival.

In a tone of disbelief, he said that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, "tweets that Israel must be annihilated — he tweets."

Republicans loudly cheered Netanyahu in the packed chamber, repeatedly standing. Democrats were more restrained, frustrated with the effort to undercut Obama's negotiations. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., did little to hide her unease and later issued a blistering statement criticizing what she called Netanyahu's condescension.

At the White House, Obama said there was value in the current economic sanctions against Iran and also in the negotiations in Switzerland aimed at restraining Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"Sanctions alone are not sufficient," Obama said. "If Iran does not have some sense that sanctions will be removed, it will not have an interest in avoiding the path that it's currently on."

The administration says there is no deal yet, but Netanyahu insists he is privy to what is being put forth.

"If the deal now being negotiated is accepted by Iran, that deal will not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. It would all but guarantee that Iran gets those weapons — lots of them," he declared. He acknowledged that any deal would likely include strict inspections, but he said "inspectors document violations; they don't stop them."

Obama declined to meet with the leader of Israel, a key U.S. ally, during this visit. Vice President Joe Biden was on a trip to Central America and so his seat as president of the Senate was filled by Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah, the Senate president pro tempore.

As Netanyahu spoke, Secretary of State John Kerry was holding a three-hour negotiating session with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in the Swiss resort of Montreux in hopes of completing an international framework agreement later this month to curb Tehran's nuclear program.

According to Netanyahu, the deal on the table offers two major concessions: Iran would be left with a vast nuclear infrastructure and restrictions on Iran's nuclear program would be lifted in about a decade.

"It doesn't block Iran's path to the bomb," Netanyahu thundered. "It paves Iran's path to the bomb."

He said the U.S. and the other five nations in talks with Tehran should keep pressuring with economic sanctions because Tehran needs the deal most.

"Now, if Iran threatens to walk away from the table — and this often happens in a Persian bazaar — call their bluff. They'll be back, because they need the deal a lot more than you do."

More than four dozen House and Senate Democrats said in advance they would not attend the event, highly unusual given historically close ties between the two allies. Many of Netanyahu's comments were greeted by loud applause from U.S. lawmakers, but not everyone was persuaded by his rhetoric.

Pelosi issued a statement saying she was "near tears throughout the prime minister's speech — saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the United States."

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the Senate would debate next week on legislation that would allow a congressional vote on any deal reached with Iran. He said legislation for stiffer sanctions could well be considered.

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., who has co-authored sanctions legislation, said Netanyahu's speech would sway more lawmakers to support his bill.

"I think that's why Pelosi is crying so much on TV," Kirk said.

The legislation he has introduced with Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., was approved by the Senate Banking Committee. Kirk predicted it would garner the 67 votes in the Senate that would be enough to override a presidential veto. "It really doesn't matter what the president does," he said.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., called Netanyahu's speech "electrifying." Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., called it "phenomenal" in clearly stating "why this deal is going to be very damaging for world security, U.S. interests in Israel."

On the other side, Democrats said "alarmist" predictions by Netanyahu have been wrong before, most notably on the Iraq war.

"This is a prime minister who's never seen a war he didn't want our country to fight," said Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif.

Netanyahu's speech reverberated in Israel, too.

Said Isaac Herzog, who is running against Netanyahu: "The painful truth is that after the applause, Netanyahu remains alone and Israel remains isolated and the negotiations with Iran will continue without Israel. It won't change the (U.S.) government's position and will only widen the divide with our great friend and our only strategic ally."

In Tehran, spokeswoman of Iranian foreign ministry, Marzieh Afkham said Netanyahu's speech was a "deceitful show" and part of a campaign by hardliners in Tel Aviv ahead of the election in Israel.
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Associated Press writers Dina Cappiello, Matthew Daly, Charles Babington, Donna Cassata, David Espo, Nedra Picker and Laurie Kellman contributed to this report.

-- (c) Associated Press 2015-03-04

Fantastic speech, highlighting a courageous leader who is willing to call a spade a spade and really exposing Barack Obama as a spineless worm who is unwilling to confront radical Islam in any form.

Bibi highlighted the fact that the Iranians have been killing Americans for decades. Obama is clutching at straws. After 6 years of a failed presidency he desperately wants something to show for it, even a bad deal that gives away the store.

The most important takeaway was this: Israel is prepared to go it alone if necessary. Bravo Mr Prime Minister.

One thing is for certain. The deal that Obama is currently working on will ensure a nuclear armed Iran and is a horrendous mistake from which we can never recover.

Actually the best thing for the world is if we fenced in Israel and let them figure it all out themselves, all within the confines of their own self perceived palace. The biggest mistake the world ever did was give Israel their country. They are the root source of many of the world's troubles and for sure the boil of the middle east. Although I am NOT an Obama fan, he is doing the right thing in regards to Israel.

Why do we allow Israel to have nukes?

"We" don't allow "them" to do anything . They never signed the NPT. They are going it alone and they do not need false allies like democrats nor obama.

The biggest difference between Israel having nukes and Iran having nukes is that Israel has no intention of using them. They are a deterrent. Why are libs incapable of working this out for themselves?

nuclear nations complaining about non-nuclear nations developing nuclear weapons

hmm there's a word for that.. hypocrisy

There is a better word when it comes to stopping radical Islamic death cults from developing nuclear weapons: SANITY!

I have always been a strong and unequivocal supporter of Israel. Until now. Netanyahu has disgraced the nation of Israel, made a mockery of the US political system and disrespected the office of the President of the United States.

My hopes are with Iran that they take full advantage of this political mess created by Netanyahu, that they get the bomb and that they chose the testing ground carefully.

The US should draw all military support for Israel.

My thoughts are with the people of Israel but the next massacre will be one of your own making.

Troll posts removed.

The world hasn't learned the lesson of N. Korea whereby they wave the nuclear stick every time

they're displeased with the west or their neighbors.... and the world capitulate and give them what

they want most of the time,

Dose this world need another N. Korea?

The biggest difference between Israel having nukes and Iran having nukes is that Israel has no intention of using them. They are a deterrent. Why are libs incapable of working this out for themselves?

I'm sure many people would have said the very same thing about the USA at one time

The USA used its A-bombs before most people even knew there was such a thing. Your "logic" does not compute.

I have always been a strong and unequivocal supporter of Israel. Until now. Netanyahu has disgraced the nation of Israel, made a mockery of the US political system and disrespected the office of the President of the United States.

My hopes are with Iran that they take full advantage of this political mess created by Netanyahu, that they get the bomb and that they chose the testing ground carefully.

The US should draw all military support for Israel.

My thoughts are with the people of Israel but the next massacre will be one of your own making.

"My hopes are with Iran that they take full advantage of this political mess created by Netanyahu, that they get the bomb and that they chose the testing ground carefully."

Beware what you wish for... have you forgotten the Iraq Iran war of the 80' whereby millions of

people and solders on both side have perished in the name of religion?

what do you think will stop them from repeating such atrocities in the future?

Those who hasn't learned anything from history are doomed to repeat it....

The biggest difference between Israel having nukes and Iran having nukes is that Israel has no intention of using them. They are a deterrent. Why are libs incapable of working this out for themselves?

Really? You believe this? Israel has made a career out of attacking and threatening their neighbors. Give them nukes and you can bet they will be used.

Israel is a terrorist state. Don't believe for a second they are peace loving and have the best interests of those around them in mind.

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Fantastic speech, highlighting a courageous leader who is willing to call a spade a spade and really exposing Barack Obama as a spineless worm who is unwilling to confront radical Islam in any form.

Bibi highlighted the fact that the Iranians have been killing Americans for decades. Obama is clutching at straws. After 6 years of a failed presidency he desperately wants something to show for it, even a bad deal that gives away the store.

The most important takeaway was this: Israel is prepared to go it alone if necessary. Bravo Mr Prime Minister.

One thing is for certain. The deal that Obama is currently working on will ensure a nuclear armed Iran and is a horrendous mistake from which we can never recover.

Bozo is no Bibi.

"We" don't allow "them" to do anything . They never signed the NPT. They are going it alone and they do not need false allies like democrats nor obama.

Yes, Israel is "...going it alone..." just like North Korea in true rogue state fashion.

They don't have any allies at all... except the Zionist lobby in Washington.

Most people don't realize that we are paying Iran tens of millions of dollars just to sit in on the negotiation table. Secretary

Kerry is a Jerk thinking Iran will be faithful in any agreements made to stop this uranium enrichment for atomic weaponry. Polosi is a metal case and need to be analyzed by professional shrink heads. Looking at her makes me want to throw up.

Obamabomb is a silent cell of the Muslim cult. There is no argument about that. In the end, just as North Korea, Iran will get

their atomic bomb/missiles and all this talk and grand standing will amount to nothing. Yet we have spent billions of dollars to Iranian's goal of the demise of Israel.....mission accomplished. Maybe that would be the best option. Israel has been sucking

American's left nipple for a long time, not to mention the trillions dollars wasted on their defense. And what have we gotten out of it? A stable region? nope, Peace and harmony amongst neighboring countries? Nope! And what the F*^K do we get

thats made in Israel anyway.....Dates from a tree? This notion that Israel is land given to them from "God" and "They are the chosen tribe of God to enter the gates of Heaven is Jammed down the throats of their neighbors constantly. That is why

they are hated so much!.....I for one could careless about ideologies of the simple minds. People are people and all have faults of their own faiths, but carry a grudge 2,000 years over myths and misunderstanding is ridiculous.....lets move on, drop the stone clutched in your hands find solutions so we all can live in harmony!

"We are better off without it (the deal)".

Typical weasel words from Netanyahu. He addresses the US Congress, saying "we", sounding inclusive, but he really means "We, Israel".

Ok, YOU think YOUR country is better off, but what's that got to do with the US tax payer?

That speech was a load of tosh and all he wants is for the US to bomb Iran.

"This is a bad deal"

=

"This is a bad deal for Israel because we should be the US's number one".

Fantastic speech, highlighting a courageous leader who is willing to call a spade a spade and really exposing Barack Obama as a spineless worm who is unwilling to confront radical Islam in any form.

Bibi highlighted the fact that the Iranians have been killing Americans for decades. Obama is clutching at straws. After 6 years of a failed presidency he desperately wants something to show for it, even a bad deal that gives away the store.

The most important takeaway was this: Israel is prepared to go it alone if necessary. Bravo Mr Prime Minister.

One thing is for certain. The deal that Obama is currently working on will ensure a nuclear armed Iran and is a horrendous mistake from which we can never recover.

And how many Palestinians has this nut killed? And you buy his story lock stock and barrel. Don't forget it was Israeli intelligence that told Bush Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. How many times do you need to be suckered?

And it was Netanyahu a few years ago that stood in front of them and stated unequivocally that Iran would have the bomb by 2011.

Sucker is not the right word.

I have always been a strong and unequivocal supporter of Israel. Until now. Netanyahu has disgraced the nation of Israel, made a mockery of the US political system and disrespected the office of the President of the United States.

My hopes are with Iran that they take full advantage of this political mess created by Netanyahu, that they get the bomb and that they chose the testing ground carefully.

The US should draw all military support for Israel.

My thoughts are with the people of Israel but the next massacre will be one of your own making.

So, because Israel's PM makes a speech before the US congress, you want to give Iran nuclear weapons for which "they chose [sic] the testing ground carefully." Exactly what does this last part mean? Are you insinuating they should "test" their nuclear weapons on Israel? Because of a speech that Obama opposed? With friends like you . . . .

This leading statesman ( B.N) once said (not word for word) "Get rid of Saddam, Get rid of his regime and I guarantee that there will be positive benefits for the region."

Would be interesting to get an accounting of the positive benefits.

Fantastic speech, highlighting a courageous leader who is willing to call a spade a spade and really exposing Barack Obama as a spineless worm who is unwilling to confront radical Islam in any form.

Bibi highlighted the fact that the Iranians have been killing Americans for decades. Obama is clutching at straws. After 6 years of a failed presidency he desperately wants something to show for it, even a bad deal that gives away the store.

The most important takeaway was this: Israel is prepared to go it alone if necessary. Bravo Mr Prime Minister.

One thing is for certain. The deal that Obama is currently working on will ensure a nuclear armed Iran and is a horrendous mistake from which we can never recover.

And how many Palestinians has this nut killed? And you buy his story lock stock and barrel. Don't forget it was Israeli intelligence that told Bush Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. How many times do you need to be suckered?

How soon we forget the Saddam used chemical weapons on the Kurds.

I said before , go spend a year in Israel before you criticize them . Go see what it is like to live in a neighborhood were at 2:00am you are awaken by an air raid siren and go running for the bomb shelter. If not you are just a worm hiding behind a computer.

President Barack Obama pushed back sternly, saying the U.S. would never sign such a deal and Netanyahu was offering no useful alternative.

This is the same presidient who said;

“No matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise to the American people… If you like your health care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what.” “Here is a guarantee that I’ve made. If you have insurance that you like, then you will be able to keep that insurance.” LIE

“I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits – either now or in the future. I will not sign it if it adds one dime to the deficit, now or in the future, period. LIE

However, after Obama signed it, the Washington Post reported that it would add more than $340 billion to the budget deficit over the next decade.

"I will not sign any non-emergency bill without giving the American public an opportunity to review and comment on the White House website for five days." LIE.

He broke that promise at least 10 times during his first three months in office.

On October 22, 2012, Obama said, “The sequester is not something that I’ve proposed.” LIE.

On February 22, 2013, the Washington Post reported that “the automatic spending cuts were initiated by the White House” and that “Obama personally approved of the plan.”

“I had a chance to meet a young man named Robert Baroz. He’s an English teacher in Boston who came to the White House a few weeks ago." LIE.

He told aides to President Obama that others have not been so lucky in finding a job. He did not meet directly with the President.

i could go on for pages but you get the picture. There is absolutely no credibility in what this president says, so why would anyone believe anything he says, especially PM Netanyahu?

How soon we forget the Saddam used chemical weapons on the Kurds.

Only because the US essentially supplied them.

Actually the best thing for the world is if we fenced in Israel and let them figure it all out themselves, all within the confines of their own self perceived palace. The biggest mistake the world ever did was give Israel their country. They are the root source of many of the world's troubles and for sure the boil of the middle east. Although I am NOT an Obama fan, he is doing the right thing in regards to Israel.

Why do we allow Israel to have nukes?

Please elaborate: Many is not two, and several could be three, but you said they are the source of many of the world's troubles- please name 3-4 troubles that confound the world.

Please explain how you arrive at "boil?" Is there a process, a certain rouge behavior with regard to others?

Lastly, what is it that Obama is doing in regards to Israel? I was not aware he was doing anything, nor has Obama indicated he is. Please explain.

Why do we allow Israel to have nukes? OK; can we take the Pakistani nukes too? Chinese? Indian? Russian? Or is in only the boils that cannot have nukes?

So, will you provide the depth to make your post more consumable?

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The biggest difference between Israel having nukes and Iran having nukes is that Israel has no intention of using them. They are a deterrent. Why are libs incapable of working this out for themselves?

Don't be so sure ! History teaches us a lesson.

Why not create a 53rd state called Israel.

All problems solved.

Why not create a 53rd state called Israel.

All problems solved.

How could they justify giving one state more than the others.