Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will give Congress speech despite criticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to his Likud party members during a campaign event near Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. Netanyahu on Monday accused the publisher of the Yediot Ahronot daily newspaper of carrying out a smear campaign against him in the hopes of pushing him out of office. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will travel to Washington to speak before the U.S. Congress next month despite calls to cancel his speech.

His remarks Monday at an election rally come amid an uproar over his planned speech about Iran before Congress next month.

Netanyahu said: "A bad deal with Iran is forming in Munich that will endanger Israel's existence. ... Therefore I am determined to go to Washington and present Israel's position before the members of Congress and the American people."

House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, extended the invitation without discussing it beforehand with the White House. That angered the administration of President Barack Obama.

Netanyahu said despite the differences in opinion, U.S. relations remain strong.

Netanyahu's speech would come days ahead of Israel's March election.

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