By Sky News US Team
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the largest pro-Israel lobby in the US that the two countries' ties are "stronger than ever".
His appearance at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) comes on the eve of a speech to the US Congress which has fuelled a rift with the Obama administration.
Tuesday's address, which Mr Netanyahu accepted at the invitation of congressional Republicans, was not co-ordinated with the White House.
He said: "Reports of the demise of the US-Israeli alliance are not only premature, but they're just wrong. Our alliance is stronger than ever."
Mr Netanyahu added: "My speech is not intended to show any disrespect to President Obama or the office he holds. I have great respect for both."
The White House was said to be infuriated because it was not consulted in advance of the invite, violating typical protocol.
It has also left Democrats in the uncomfortable position of being forced to choose between showing support for Israel and backing their president.
But the Israeli leader told AIPAC he had been compelled to address a "potential deal with Iran that could threaten the survival of Israel".
Mr Netanyahu is wary of the Obama administration's efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Tehran.
He fears Tehran will be left on the cusp of building a nuclear bomb, though the Iranians say their programme is for energy purposes.
Samantha Power, US ambassador to the UN, was applauded earlier as she assured the AIPAC conference: "There will never be a sunset on America's commitment to Israel's security. Never."
She told the 16,000 AIPAC delegates: "We believe firmly that US security and the US-Israel partnership transcends politics, and it always will."
She also said: "The United States will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Period."
The White House said President Obama would not meet Mr Netanyahu because such an invite could be construed as an attempt by the administration to show favour in Israel's 17 March elections.
Last week, Mr Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, described the alleged timing and partisan manner of Mr Netanyahu's visit as "destructive" for the US-Israeli relationship.
Mr Netanyahu's trip comes just four weeks before a 31 March target for a framework deal with Iran in exchange for possible sanctions relief.
As the Israeli prime minister was preparing to speak, Secretary of State John Kerry was in Switzerland for another round of talks with Iran.
The US is negotiating alongside Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China.
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