Bibi effusively praises Obama, Clinton in call with Jewish leaders

[oberliner]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. Jewish leaders in a phone call Monday. Afterward, adviser Ron Dermer and Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren did a Q/A.

Some key points Netanyahu raised in the call, according to a couple people on the call, who asked that it not be quoted per se:

Netanyahu opened his remarks by speaking very positively about President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also said positive things about Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, describing him as a real partner for peace.

Israel wants peace, he wants peace, Netanyahu said. He wanted the direct talks to continue and without preconditions, including the Palestinian demand that Israel extend a partial West Bank settlement moratorium due to expire later this month as a condition for continuing with the direct talks.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/laurarozen/0910/Bibi_effusively_praises_Obama_Clinton_in_call_with_Jewish_leaders_.html?showall

[applegrove]

1. I always huff when I read anything about the Israli/Palestinian situation.

I huff and sigh. If only.

[Violet_Crumble]

2. Do you think Nutty's honest with what he said? n/t

[oberliner]

3. I'm sure that he has positive things that he can truthfully say about Obama, Abbas, and Clinton

I think he wants peace on his terms and is hopeful that his effusive praise will help him to get what he considers to be the most favorable terms possible.

The other comments he made are regarding the same issues that he usually comments on and he seems to be pretty upfront and honest about what his goals are in these negotiations (though I find many of them to be unreasonable).