Sen. John McCain on Sunday accused President Obama of throwing a prolonged “temper tantrum” that risks the deep and longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Israel.
Speaking on CNN, Mr. McCain said the president should not focus on statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his re-election campaign. Mr. Netanyahu won another term in office last week.
In the days leading up to the election, Mr. Netanyahu said there would never be a Palestinian state as long as he is in power in Israel. After his victory, he backtracked, saying that he’s open to a two-state solution under the right circumstances.
But Mr. Obama has said he simply doesn’t believe Mr. Netanyahu and now is operating under the assumption Israel doesn’t support a two-state solution.
Mr. McCain, Arizona Republican, said Mr. Netanyahu made his initial statements for political purposes and the White House should recognize that.
“The president should get over it. Get over your temper tantrum,” Mr. McCain said. “The least of your problems is what Bibi Netanyahu said during an election campaign. If every politician were held to everything they said during a political campaign obviously that would be a topic for long discussion … Bibi’s rhetoric concerning an election campaign pales in comparison as to the direct threat to the United States of America from [the Islamic State terrorist group]. The president has his priorities so screwed up it’s unbelievable.”
The administration now says it will “reassess” its relationship with Israel. It now seems possible the the White House could allow the United Nations to proceed with a formal resolution calling for a Palestinian state — something the U.S. traditionally has blocked.
Should the administration pursue such a course, Mr. McCain said Congress should consider cutting off funding to the U.N.
“If [Mr. Obama] does that and it would be approved by the UN then the United States Congress would have to examine our funding for the United Nations,” Mr. McCain said.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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