Another round in the spat between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama was launched on Nov. 11, this time in an editorial in The New York Times. Ever since Netanyahu took off his gloves and collided head-on with the deal being hashed out between Iran and the major powers, he has found himself becoming the world’s punching bag. From left, right and center, he is being stabbed, criticized and dubbed “hysterical.” In the editorial, the New York Times — which is said to be well-connected to the White House — accused Netanyahu of sabotaging attempts to broker a deal that would curb Iran’s nuclear program.
The extent to which the relationship and trust between Washington and Jerusalem have deteriorated can be evidenced not only in reports and public statements but also in the “responsible adult” who on Nov. 11 tried to cool the heated atmosphere. I’m referring to the old-new Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, who is considered a serial Middle Eastern pyromaniac. Now he is the one rolling up his sleeves in a bid to clear the air.
