BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday defended potential construction in areas of Jerusalem beyond the pre-1967 borders, despite reported sharp criticism from American officials.

On Monday, Netanyahu issued a directive to advance the construction of 660 units in the Ramat Shlomo neighbourhood in northern Jerusalem and 400 units in Har Homa in the southeast of the city. Although the announcement does not signal imminent construction, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that Washington is “certainly deeply concerned” by the announcement, adding that such plans are “incompatible with the pursuit of peace.”

Speaking to Galei Israel, Netanyahu commented yesterday, “It is legitimate that our friends the Americans will have a different opinion, but it is also legitimate that we will stand firm on our positions regarding things that are vital.” Netanyahu made his position clear at a ceremony in Ashdod, saying, “I have heard a claim that our construction in Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem makes peace more distant. It is the criticism which is making peace more distant.”

Netanyahu’s comments came as Jeffrey Goldberg reported in the Atlantic that relations between the Obama Administration and Netanyahu’s office are “red hot.” He quoted a senior administration official who called Netanyahu a “chickenshit” who is motivated by little more than a “near-pathological desire for career-preservation.”

Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett, whose political pressure was reportedly a significant factor in Monday’s announcement, called on the US Administration to renounce the remarks and instead strengthen Israel. However, Labour Party and opposition leader Isaac Herzog MK accused Netanyahu of damaging Israel’s vital security interests by harming relations with Washington. Meretz leader Zahava Gal-On MK said that Netanyahu has brought Israel to its lowest point with its most important ally.

A US National Security spokesperson downplayed Goldberg’s report, saying that, “The [US-Israel] relationship remains as strong as ever and the ties between our nations are unshakable.” The spokesperson added that American concerns are only raised “as a partner who is deeply concerned about Israel’s future.”