Massachusetts' all-Democratic congressional delegation is split over the decision of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept an invitation by House Republicans to address a session of Congress.
Two House members, Reps. Katherine Clark and James McGovern, are opting out of attending Tuesday's speech. Sen. Elizabeth Warren also said in a statement to The Boston Globe that she won't attend.
McGovern called the timing and circumstances of the speech deeply troubling, noting that it comes before an Israeli election and during U.S. and Iran nuclear negotiations.
Clark noted the invitation was offered without consulting the Obama administration.
Reps. Niki Tsongas, Seth Moulton and Joe Kennedy have said they'll attend even though they don't support how Speaker John Boehner set up the speech. Others planning to attend include Sen. Edward Markey.
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse also will not attend. Whitehouse says he is concerned that the move was an effort to "manipulate domestic politics in both countries."
Fellow Democrat from Rhode Island, Sen. Jack Reed, has confirmed plans to attend the speech.
Netanyahu has said Obama's bid for a nuclear deal with Iran is a threat to his country's survival, but that his plans to address Congress are not intended to disrespect the president.
