Netanyahu declines to meet with Democrats

Israel's prime minister regrets the politically fraught tone of his visit

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu turned down an invitation on Tuesday to meet privately with Senate Democrats next week during his visit to Washington, saying the session "could compound the misperception of partisanship" surrounding his trip.

Angering the White House and Democrats, Netanyahu accepted an invitation from Republican leaders to address a joint meeting of Congress on March 3 and speak about Iran. The Republican leaders did not consult with the Obama administration, which the White House called a breach of protocol.