Pelosi ‘near tears’ during speech, slams PM

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi says she was “near tears” during Netanyahu’s speech, and is frustrated by the prime minister for “insulting the intelligence” of the United States and for  his “condescension.”

She says that “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.”

She affirms the strength of the US-Israeli ties as “a deep and abiding friendship” and “unbreakable bonds,” and calls Israel “the greatest political achievement of the 20th century.”

“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,” she says. “As President Obama has said consistently, all options are on the table for preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.”

Pelosi attended the speech, but was notably cold and visibly disinterested, capping her indignation by standing up immediately to leave the room before Netanyahu made his way through the throngs of applauding legislators.

— Rebecca Shimoni-Stoil contributed