Tension between US and Israel intensifies
Tension between US and Israel intensifies
With US officials reporting 'progress' in talks over Iran nuclear programme, Israeli prime minister lashes out at normally compliant friends further damaging already strained ties with Washington, and other western capitals.
2 min read
The tension between Obama and the far right Netanyahu is real. [Getty]
The public war of words between Israel and the US has escalated over Benjamin Netanyahu's Republican engineered congressional speech next week, with the Israeli prime minister accusing world powers of rolling over to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Secretary of State John Kerry openly questioned Netanyahu's judgment on the issue.
The comments injected new tension into an already strained relationship.
More Democrats announced they would not attend the speech, which was orchestrated by Republican leaders without the Obama administration's knowledge.
Netanyahu hopes his speech will strengthen opposition to a potential nuclear deal with Iran. US and Iranian officials reported progress in negotiations this week on a deal that would restrict Iran nuclear activities for at least 10 years but then slowly ease restrictions.
Netanyahu lashed out at the US and other usually compliant allies of Israel.
"It appears that they have given up on that commitment and are accepting that Iran will gradually, within a few years, will develop capabilities to produce material for many nuclear weapons," he said in Israel.
"They might accept this but I am not willing to accept this," he said in remarks delivered in Hebrew and translated.
The far right Israeli politican added that he saw it as his 'duty' to do 'everything' to prevent this 'great danger' to Israel.
Kerry, testifying at a congressional hearing, dismissed Netanyahu's comments.
"He may have a judgment that just may not be correct here," Kerry said.
His comments, as well as statements from other top US officials, made clear the Obama administration had no plans to mask its frustrations during Netanyahu's visit.
There are no plans for Obama to meet with Netanyahu next week. The White House has cited its practice of not engaging with world leaders in close proximity to their elections, though it's no secret that Obama and his Israeli counterpart have little personal affinity for each other.
Other senior administration officials plan to be out of the country during Netanyahu's visit, including Kerry and Vice President Joe Biden.
Both will be abroad on trips that were announced only after Netanyahu accepted the invitation to speak to Congress.
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