Two weeks prior to Israel’s 20th parliamentary elections and four weeks prior to a decision on multi-lateral nuclear negotiations with Iran, in an effort to dramatize Israel’s existential fear of Iranian intentions, Israeli PM Netanyahu addresses a joint session of the US congress. Greatly perturbed by Netanyahu’s direct appeal to the congress, a challenge to the Executive Branch’s prerogative to make foreign policy, the Obama administration and 53 Democrats boycott his speech. Netanyahu emphasizes the absolute need to prevent Iran’s nuclear break-out moment; in addition, he pleads with his audience not to relieve sanctions on Iran unless it alters its political behavior that includes the support of terrorism and its commitment to destroy Israel. Throughout the speech, Netanyahu reminds his audience of the unshakable bond between Israel and the US. It is unclear what impact his speech has on his success in the March 17, 2015 elections. (source)
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