Acting Alone, Boehner Invites Netanyahu to Speak to Congress

Ben Smith / January 21, 2015

House Speaker John Boehner has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress next month.

The topic of the Feb. 11 speech will be Iran.

Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters today that he did not consult with the White House before inviting Netanyahu, saying “the Congress can make this decision on its own.”

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest shot back that Boehner had breached protocol by acting alone.

In a press release, Boehner said that he “considers Netanyahu a great friend of our county,” and that the invitation shows how the United States upholds an “unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of his people.”

This will be the third time that Netanyahu will speak in front of Congress — his second under Boehner’s speakership — according to CNN.

The invitation comes at a critical time, with the Obama administration trying to reach an agreement with Iran over its nuclear capabilities.

As Congress threatens to impose tougher sanctions against Iran, the president has threatened a veto.