Most senior US senator, to skip Netanyahu speech

The US Senate's most senior lawmaker today said he will skip the Israeli prime minister's speech to Congress next month on Iran, calling the invitation by Republicans without White House consultation a "tawdry and high-handed stunt."
Sen Patrick Leahy, a 42-year-veteran, joined a half dozen Democrats who have decided to boycott Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, which comes in middle of delicate negotiations involving the United States, Western powers and Iran over its nuclear program. Republican House Speaker John Boehner invited Netanyahu to address a joint meeting of Congress on March 3.
"The unfortunate way that House leaders have unilaterally arranged this, and then heavily politicized it, has demolished the potential constructive value of this joint meeting," Leahy said in a statement.

"They have orchestrated a tawdry and high-handed stunt that has embarrassed not only Israel but the Congress itself."
Democrats have complained that the speech is an affront to President Barack Obama, who has said he will not meet with Netanyahu when he visits the United States and who said yesterday that he has "very real differences" with the Israeli leader over Iran and sanctions.
Vice President Joe Biden also will miss the speech, citing unspecified travel plans.

Boehner has defended the invitation.
Rep Steny Hoyer the No 2 House Democratic leader, said he would attend Netanyahu's speech, even though he says Boehner should have consulted with the White House and Democrats before inviting the Israeli prime minister to address lawmakers. Hoyer said he spoke to Netanyahu two weeks ago after he was invited to speak.

"I told him of the political consternation that this had caused within our caucus, and that it was unfortunate," he said.