Israeli Prime Minister Agrees to Controversial U.S. Congress Appearance

 (Jan. 21): House SpeakerJohn Boehner (R-Ohio) invites Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress without consulting the Obama administration, a breach of protocol. Netanyahu accepts the invitation, also without consulting the Obama administration, a move that creates tension between him and the White House. The appearance is scheduled for March 2015, two weeks before Israeli elections. The invitation is seen by many as an effort by Republicans to undermine Obama's foreign policy. President Obama does not plan to meet with Netanyahu during the prime minister's March visit.