"The first requirement of any living organism, of the people of any collective body, is to identify danger in time," Netanyahu said. "The greatest danger facing Israel and the world is the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran."

Netanyahu spoke at the Jewish Federations of North America annual gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Iran threatens to annihilate Israel, Netanyahu said, adding that Iran denies the Holocaust occurred and sponsors terrorism.

He thanked U.S. President Barack Obama's administration for its efforts to get the United Nations to place new sanctions on Iran.

Netanyahu also focused on what he called disinformation and libel against Israel by its detractors. "For many, Israel is guilty until proven guilty," he said.

As for the peace process, the prime minister said that Israel wants to see the Palestinians as committed as they are to resolving the conflict. There should be talks without any preconditions, he said.

Netanyahu's comments came on the same day that his government announced it was proceeding with plans for about 1,000 new housing units in East Jerusalem, a move that a chief Palestinian negotiator said would derail peace talks.

The prime minister did not mention these buildings, or settlement construction in general, during his speech.