Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had "one message" Monday for congressional leaders: "Keep up the pressure on Iran."

His words were directed at members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and senior House leadership, and delivered at a Washington, D.C., farewell dinner for Israel's outgoing ambassador to Washington Michael Oren.

Netanyahu said America's support of harsh sanctions had induced Iran to seek a dialogue, not for purposes of genuinely halting its drive for nuclear weapons, but rather so that Tehran could extract itself from the pressure it was under.

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Even as the government shutdown loomed, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer broke away from Capitol Hill to attend the dinner, hosted by Netanyahu.

Back home, Israel television devoted more time to coverage of the impending shutdown of the U.S. government than it did to Netanyahu's Oval Office visit with President Barack Obama.

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