Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday for a "historic" quest to stop a "bad" international nuclear deal with Iran sought by the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday for a "historic" quest to stop a "bad" international nuclear deal with Iran sought by the United States.

Netanyahu's controversial 48-hour visit has stoked discord with US President Barack Obama and brought bilateral relations to their lowest point in years.

A speech before lawmakers on Tuesday by the Israeli leader aims to drum up last-minute support to halt a possible world deal with Iran over its nuclear program.

It has infuriated the White House and prominent Democrats because the speech was set up by congressional Republicans without consulting with the president, violating usual protocol.

Several leading members of America's political establishment have announced they plan to skip the address to a joint session of the US Congress.

And no meetings have been set up between Netanyahu and US government officials during his visit.

"We know a great deal about the emerging agreement," a member of Netanyahu's entourage said on condition of anonymity.
"In our view, it is a bad agreement."

For his part, Netanyahu, who will also speak at the annual policy conference of the powerful pro-Israel AIPAC lobby, has refused to back down.

"I'm going to Washington on a fateful, even historic, mission," he told reporters on the tarmac at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv shortly before his plane took off.

"I feel deep and sincere concern for the security of Israel's citizens and for the fate of the state and of all our people," he added.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure our future."