(CNN)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn't aiming to disrespect President Obama or muddy the waters of American politics when he speaks before Congress, the country's ambassador said Sunday. "The Prime Minister's visit to Washington is intended for one purpose -- and one purpose only. To speak up while there is still time to speak up. To speak up when there is still time to make a difference," Ambassador Ron Dermer said at an event in Florida days after House Speaker John Boehner announced that Netanyahu would address Congress in March. Netanyahu is expected to lobby Congress to approve tough new sanctions on Iran.
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Ambassador: Netanyahu's March visit "is not intended to show any disrespect for President Obama"
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Netanyahu's goal, he says, is "to speak up when there is still time to make a difference"
Boehner told reporters last week that he did not consult with the White House about inviting Netanyahu, saying "the @placeholder can make this decision on its own."