Tensions Running High Between Obama Administration, Israeli Officials? - East Idaho News
World News

Tensions Running High Between Obama Administration, Israeli Officials?

  Published at

102914 BenjaminNetanyahuPresidentObama2?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1414606200905File photo. Pete Souza / The White House(BEIRUT) — The Israeli-American relationship has taken a beating since President Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have taken office, but it has never been worse than it is now, several Israeli commentators are now saying.

The assessment comes in the wake of an article in the Atlantic by Jeffery Goldberg, in which he quotes a senior Obama administration official calling Netanyahu a coward, but using an expletive.

The criticism directed at the prime minister is based on the administration’s perception that Netanyahu is doing nothing to advance the peace process and is instead expanding settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. He is also cowardly when it comes to starting conflicts, the official said.

Netanyahu’s office struck back on Wednesday, saying he would not bow to pressure when it comes to defending Israel’s security interests and advancing the historical rights of the Jewish people.

Israel’s president, Reuven Rivlin, tried to smooth things over, saying that the top three principles of Israeli foreign relations are based on its relationship with the U.S.

In a statement Wednesday, a National Security spokesperson said, “Certainly that’s not the Administration’s view, and we think such comments are inappropriate and counter-productive. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the President have forged an effective partnership, and consult closely and frequently, including earlier this month when the President hosted the Prime Minister in the Oval Office.”

“The U.S.-Israel relationship remains as strong as ever, our security bonds have never been greater, and the ties between our nations are unshakable. We remain fully and firmly committed to Israel’s security,” the spokesperson added.


Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio

SUBMIT A CORRECTION