Peres criticises Netanyahu over deteriorating relations with US

Israel’s President Shimon Peres has publicly expressed his frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to his recent disagreements with the US, particularly Secretary of State John Kerry, over the Iranian nuclear file.

According Walla News, during a meeting Peres told Netanyahu that: “Our relationship… is fundamental, not simple, not to be taken for granted.” He also pointed out that: “The relations between us have a deep history,” warning that “President Truman recognized Israel 11 minutes after the declaration of independence. The support of the US for Israel is unique. We are fortunate that America was, and remains, our friend and ally.”

Peres noted that despite Netanyahu’s recent indications that the US administration is ignoring Israel’s calls, “There has not been an Israeli request which the Obama administration has not responded to, including casting a veto over the UN Security Council resolution on settlements [in 2011] despite the fact that the US does not consider the settlements legal. Nearly all our security requests were responded to positively.”

Peres also expressed his hope that the crisis would end soon, pointing out that the two parties must manage their positions with all wisdom.

In thinly veiled message to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Peres added that: “If we have disagreements we should voice them but we should remember that the Americans also know a thing or two, we are not the only ones.”