BICOM

Responding to reported hostile comments by an administration figure aimed at Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Washington officials yesterday underscored the importance of US-Israel ties.

On Tuesday, 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.” The report alleged that Obama administration officials view Netanyahu as “recalcitrant, myopic, reactionary, obtuse, blustering, pompous and Aspergery.” Goldberg’s report followed criticism earlier this week by US officials of a directive issued by Netanyahu to advance construction in Jerusalem.

Yesterday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest assured that if the comments reported by Goldberg were made, they are “directly in opposition to the true view and policy of this administration.” He commented, “This is a critically important relationship,” one which “transcends individual presidencies,” adding, “The United States is as committed as it has ever been to the security of Israel.” Meanwhile, US National Security Council spokesman Alistair Baskey said “we think such comments are inappropriate and counterproductive. Prime Minister Netanyahu and the president have forged an effective partnership, and consult closely and frequently.” US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki related to the reported comments, saying, “President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry don’t see them as accurate or appropriate.”

For his part, Netanyahu said yesterday, “As prime minister, I am responsible for Israel’s security,” explaining that this is “not among the top concerns of those anonymous elements that are attacking us and me personally, because the attack on me comes only because I am defending the State of Israel.”

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that US National Security Adviser Susan Rice will host an Israeli delegation, headed by Yossi Cohen, the national security adviser at Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office. White House spokesman Earnest commented, “These consultations are a testament to the unprecedented level of security cooperation between the US and Israel.”