Israel Opposition Leader Blasts Netanyahu’s Stance

Not everyone in high political circles in Israel agree with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that US President Barack Obama’s speech on redrawing the map of Israel presented a danger to the Jewish state.

Israel opposition leader and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni blasted Netanyahu for “harming the relationship” between the US and Israel by challenging Obama in Washington today.

Netanyahu spoke about consensus, Livni said, and if there is a consensus in Israel, it's that the relationship with the US is essential to Israel, and a prime minister that harms the relationship with the US over something unsubstantial is harming Israel's security and deterrence.

Obama’s speech, she said, was pro-Israel.

An American president that supports a two-state solution represents the Israeli interest and is not anti-Israeli, Livni, the leader of Israel’s Kadima Party, said.

President Obama's call to start negotiations represents Israel's interests.

She added in no uncertain terms that Netanyahu should resign.

I am saying this loud and clear, she said.

Israel's deterrence and legitimacy in the world is directly connected to our relationship with the greatest power in the world, the US.”

However, Livni was criticized for her stance by members of her own Kadina party.

Otniel Schneller, a Knesset member, said: “Obama’s speech has placed before Israeli society and its representatives the challenge of unity and national agreement. The political disagreements and aspiration of the opposition parties should not overpower their responsibility for the future of the state.”

During his meeting with Obama, Netanyahu declared: “While Israel is prepared to make generous compromises for peace, it cannot go back to the 1967 lines. These lines are indefensible, because they don’t take into account certain changes that have taken place on the ground, demographic changes.”