Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi was critical of Benjamin Netanyahu's speech Reuters

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic minority leader for the House of Representatives, has lashed out at Congress address of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it an "insult to the intelligence of the United States".

In his speech to the joint Congress, the Israeli PM said Iran and Islamic State (Isis) are engaged in a "deadly game of thrones" and "competing for crown of militant Islam", and warned the US against nuclear negotiations with the Islamic Republic.

Netanyahu said the proposed deal being negotiated with Iran to freeze its nuclear programme is "a bad deal" and "we're better off without it".

In her comment after Netanyahu's address, Pelosi said she was "near tears throughout the prime minister's speech - saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the United States as part of the P5 +1 nations, and saddened by the condescension toward our knowledge of the threat posed by Iran and our broader commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation."

The Israeli PM's speech caused resentment among Democrats, with more than 50 Congress members of the party skipping the event.

Netanyahu accused Tehran of funding terrorism and "gobbling up four countries right now", with reference to the Arab world.

Full Pelosi statement:

"The unbreakable bonds between the United States and Israel are rooted in our shared values, our common ideals and mutual interests. Ours is a deep and abiding friendship that will always reach beyond party. Americans stand shoulder to shoulder with the Israeli people. The state of Israel stands as the greatest political achievement of the 20th century, and the United States will always have an unshakable commitment to Israel's security.

"That is why, as one who values the US – Israel relationship, and loves Israel, I was near tears throughout the prime minister's speech – saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the United States as part of the P5 +1 nations, and saddened by the condescension toward our knowledge of the threat posed by Iran and our broader commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation.

"Today, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated something we all agree upon: a nuclear armed Iran is unacceptable to both our countries. We have all said that a bad deal is worse than no deal, and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons is the bedrock of our foreign policy and national security. As President Obama has said consistently, all options are on the table for preventing a nuclear-armed Iran."

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