Stand strong, Bibi.
Via Times of Israel:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear he would back Israel’s interests over those of “the best of friends” in thwarting a nuclear Iran, a seeming reference to a recent standoff between Jerusalem and Washington over how to tackle Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking at the start of a meeting with visiting Bavarian State Prime Minister Horst Seehofer on Wednesday, Netanyahu said that Israel is facing great challenges in preserving its security, the greatest of which is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“As prime minister of Israel, it is my duty to uphold the vital interests of the State of Israel, to ensure its security and its future,” Netanyahu said. “I uphold these interests, not that it’s easy, because leadership is tested in upholding them even if there are disagreements with friends, even the best of friends.”
The remarks came amid a tense bout of accusations between Jerusalem and Washington over an alleged snubbing of Netanyahu by President Barack Obama. While officials in Israel claim Obama declined to meet with Netanyahu later this month, the White House claimed there was no such request made.