New Yorkers are weighing in after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran during a speech to Congress on Tuesday.

The 50 minute speech drew praise not just from the Republicans who invited the prime minister, but also a number of Democrats.

It comes as White House negotiators are trying to reach an agreement by the end of the month that would freeze Iran's nuclear program for at least 10 years.

Netanyahu says this threatens not just Israel but the world and would be catastrophic to allow the country to have weapons.

He says Iran seeks to expand its Islamic ideology, and lifting sanctions will only give them more ammunition.

"This deal has two major concessions, one leaving Iran with a vast Nuclear program and two, lifting the restrictions on the plan in about a decade, that's why this deal is so bad -- it doesn't block Iran's path to the bomb, it paves Iran's way to the bomb," said Netanyahu. "Israel is grateful for the support of America's people and of America's presidents. From Harry Truman to Barack Obama."

Netanyahu was invited by House Speaker John Boehner and other political opponents of President Barack Obama.

Despite Netanyahu's gratitude, Obama called the controversial speech a distraction and was not said to be watching.

Ahead of the speech, NY1 spoke with members of the city's Jewish community in Crown Heights. They say while they're concerned the prime minister's speech could damage Israel's relations with the U.S. they understand why Netanyahu would be critical of negotiations with Iran.

"Iran is not the kind of regime that anyone can trust, so I don't know what America thinks they're doing giving them honor and respectability," said one Crown Heights resident.

"The leader of Iran is known to be outspoken about terrorism, and about the Holocaust not happening," noted another Crown Heights resident.

Meanwhile, several members of Congress boycotted the prime minister's speech.

As for New York's Congressional delegation, most were in attendance including Senator Charles Schumer.

Rep. Charles Rangel, who initially said he would not attend, sent out a tweet reversing his decision saying, "I still don't agree w/ procedure & politics behind Bibi's speech but at request of constituents & friends I've decided to attend."