Obama told the group last week that a face-to-face meeting in Washington would possibly end with Netanyahu publicly complaining about the president’s policies regarding the Iran nuclear talks, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the private meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"So for now, the president said, he would speak with the prime minister over the telephone, and an Oval Office invitation would wait until after the June 30 deadline for negotiating the details of the Iran deal,"  the Times reported.

"We are evaluating our approach to a two-state solution, not our broader relationship with Israel," said Jen Psaki, Obama’s communications director. "Despite occasional differences on matters of policy, our relationship is strong and enduring, as demonstrated by our unwavering support for Israel’s security."

The invitation to Netanyahu was extended by Republicans without consultation with the White House, drawing angry reaction from the Obama administration, which called it a breach of protocol.