Netanyahu calls D.C. speech a "fateful and even historic mission"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu headed to Washington on Sunday to press his case against an emerging deal on Iran's nuclear program in a contentious address to the U.S. Congress, which he said he is delivering out of concern for Israel's security.

The address has caused an uproar that has exposed tensions between Israel and its most important ally, the United States. In accepting a Republican invitation to address Congress, Netanyahu angered the White House, which was not consulted with in advance of the invite, as well as Democrats who were forced to choose between showing support for Israel and backing the president.

Netanyahu plans to express his disapproval over a potential deal between Iran and world powers that he says falls short of preventing Tehran from having the ability to make an atomic bomb. A preliminary deadline is later this month.

"I feel deep and genuine concern for the security of all the people of Israel," Netanyahu told journalists on the tarmac, his wife by his side, before boarding his flight. "I will do everything in my ability to secure our future."

He called the trip a "fateful and even historic mission" and said he feels like "an emissary" of the Jewish people.

Tuesday's speech to Congress has touched off criticism in Israel, where Netanyahu is seeking re-election on March 17.

His main challenger, Isaac Herzog, had demanded he cancel the speech. On Sunday, a group representing 200 former Israeli security officials came out against it. The group said the rift with Washington can embolden Iran to acquire an atomic bomb faster, if it thinks Israel is isolated and less likely to attack its nuclear facilities.

Stopping Iran from building a nuclear bomb has become a defining challenge for both President Barack Obama and Netanyahu, yet they have approached the issue differently.

Netanyahu considers unacceptable any deal that doesn't end Iran's nuclear program entirely. Obama appears to be willing to leave some nuclear activity intact, backed by safeguards that Iran is not trying to develop a weapon.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.