Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush
Former Florida Governor Jeb BushReuters

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a possible Republican candidate in the 2016 presidential election, on Tuesday praised the speech given by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu before Congress.

In a post on his Facebook page, Bush said Netanyahu had delivered a “powerful message” in his speech.

“Glad he addressed Congress & detailed the dangers a nuclear Iran poses. Their nuclear program must be stopped,” added Bush.

Even before the speech was given, Bush had said that he was “eager” to hear what Netanyahu had to say to Congress, and also said he was surprised by the White House's reaction to the planned speech.

“I don’t blame him for wanting to share his views and in fact, I think it will be important for the American people to get the perspective of our closest ally in the region,” he said.

Several Democrat lawmakers were not pleased with Netanyahu’s speech, accusing the Israeli prime minister of fear-mongering.

Particularly vocal was top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, who was often the last to rise for standing ovations led by Republicans' approval of Netanyahu's warnings.

"I was near tears... saddened by the insult to the intelligence of the United States... and saddened by the condescension toward our knowledge of the threat posed by Iran and our broader commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation," she said.

The Republicans gave a rapturous welcome to Netanyahu, who was invited to Washington by House Speaker John Boehner without consulting the White House or Democratic congressional leaders, triggering uproar.

"I am encouraged by the bipartisan reception given to the prime minister, and hope all Americans focus on the substance of the prime minister's concerns," House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said.