Obama: Netanyahu doesn't understand Israel's best interests

[Guest American Woman]

Not really. You got it wrong. According to Goldberg (and Peter Beinert), Obama has been showing dislike for Netanyahu.

I didn't get it wrong at all. Again. It was Goldberg showing Obama's dislike for Netanyahu, through White House sources. That's "Goldberg" and "White House sources." What's directly missing is Obama.

As mentioned before, Obama has shown his displeasure for Netanyahu before.

"I can't stand him. He's a liar," Sarkozy said of Netanyahu, according to the website.

Obama replied, "You're tired of him; what about me? I have to deal with him every day,"

CNN

That's as questionable as Goldberg's account. It's not Obama showing anything; it's an account of an alleged private conversation. A conversation that was "first reported by the French website Arret Sur Images, which said reporters heard Sarkozy's comments in French and Obama's reply through a translator." Hardly the stuff quotes are made of.

I'm guessing there is sometimes friction between the two, however; it would be odd if there never was, given the circumstances. I do, however, as I said, have my doubts as to whether Obama said all that is being claimed. Ultimately, however, I really don't see the significance, even if he did - unless it's true that it's working in Netanyahu's favor. But mostly the U.S. will go on doing what the U.S. does/feels it has to do - and Israel will go on doing what Israel does/feels what it has to do. Same as always.

[bush_cheney2004]

.... But mostly the U.S. will go on doing what the U.S. does/feels it has to do - and Israel will go on doing what Israel does/feels what it has to do. Same as always.

I think you make an important distinction here. US and Israeli foreign policy recognizes that Israel lives in a tough neighbourhood. Disagreements are to be expected. Israel is no "poodle".

[DogOnPorch]

I think you make an important distinction here. US and Israeli foreign policy recognizes that Israel lives in a tough neighbourhood. Disagreements are to be expected. Israel is no "poodle".

I can't think of a single President that was overly fond of Israel. More and obligation than anything else that came with the job. Reagan, perhaps when compared to other Presidents. But, still...I can imagine the Israelis being quite the headache for a President.

Secretary to the President: Israel on line 2.

President X: Ah, f**k...What now??