President Obama phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday to congratulate him on his re-election, a call that came as tensions run high between the two leaders.
“The president emphasized the importance the United States places on our close military, intelligence and security cooperation with Israel, which reflects the deep and abiding partnership between both countries,” the White House said in a read-out of the call. “The president and the prime minister agreed to continue consultations on a range of regional issues, including the difficult path forward to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The president reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing commitment to a two-state solution that results in a secure Israel alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine.”
Obama waited more than a day to speak with Netanyahu following what many pundits considered a surprise victory in Israel.
The Obama-Netanyahu relationship is at an all-time low in the wake of Netanyahu’s addressing Congress earlier this month, over the objections of the White House.
Rather than exchange diplomatic pleasantries, the White House continues to criticize Netanyahu, even after it became clear he would remain in power.
The White House accused the Israeli leader of trying to marginalize Israeli-Arab voters and said Netanyahu’s election would have no impact on nuclear negotiations with Iran.
“The president reiterated that the United States is focused on reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran that prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and verifiably assures the international community of the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program,” the White House said of the phone call.
