Updated

Israel's opposition leader says the upcoming speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the U.S. Congress on Iran is "spin" ahead of March elections.

Issac Herzog said "no Israeli leader will ever accept a nuclear Iran" but the way Netanyahu voices his concerns is for "his political interest."

Herzog is competing against Netanyahu in the March 17 election. He told reporters Tuesday that Israel should work closely with the U.S to resolve disputes over Iran rather than butting heads.

Netanyahu accepted a Republican invitation to address Congress on Iran next week. The speech angered the Obama Administration because it was arranged without consulting the White House, a breach of protocol.

It also caused uproar in Israel as it comes just two weeks before the country's national election.