Boehner told reporters that he did not consult the White House or the State Department over his invitation, saying "Congress can make this decision on its own."

"I don't believe I'm poking anyone in the eye," he said, while acknowledging his intention to rebuke Obama's nuclear talks with Iran by inviting Netanyahu to speak to Congress.

The White House later called the invitation of Netanyahu without consulting the White House "a departure from protocol", saying Netanyahu's meeting with President Barack Obama was yet to be decided.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the White House is typically the first point of contact when a foreign leader plans any visit to Washington. "This particular event seems to be a departure from that protocol," he said.

"We'll need to hear from them about what their plans are and what he plans to say in his remarks to Congress before we have a decision to make about any meeting," the spokesman added.