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Fmr. Netanyahu Chief of Staff George Birnbaum on why the close relationship between the U.S. and Israel will continue despite the recent tension.
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Now is George -- -- the former chief of staff to Israeli prime minister.
Benjamin Netanyahu he is the CEO of GE -- international George good to have you with us.
It'd be here let me first up I think that our hearts and prayers go -- all the victims of the recent tornadoes it's just a terrible story and -- -- and and has been a terrible year.
And I appreciate that.
George it.
And Netanyahu.
And and Obama I -- lots of ways you say this let me be direct neither man is overcome with modesty or humility.
I think it's fair to say.
But this has become a very public.
This scrap.
In that doesn't seem to be in anyone's interest what is going on here.
Well I think that -- -- a situation where the president.
Had given a speech last Thursday's speech that was billed by a everyone in the White House is being a major.
Policy speech when that lays out his vision for Middle East.
That it wasn't a flippant remark percent of remarks may have a press conference.
In which he really.
It many people's minds especially Israeli point of view.
Through his arm of the bus by using phraseology.
That really been taboo the use.
For for decades.
And specifically which terminology is that.
The 1967 border technology one and also.
The reference to the past refugee issue those two things in particular -- very troubling for the prime minister here.
And so troubled was.
He that he.
He and his you and I have discussed.
It was very direct -- his response from -- put it that way if I may with the president United States sitting there.
To what degree do you think that that was appropriate conduct on the part of any head of state.
Visiting the United States and and the president in the White House.
Well I feel.
It was a difficult position for the prime minister as you said in that press conference he sees his role as the role of defending -- a dream and a path that took over 2000 years for the Jewish people to achieve namely.
The rebirth of the Jewish nation in this in the land of Israel.
And made in part mostly by the friendship and and -- be back ally of the United States.
630 friendship that has been unbreakable.
And I think the prime minister and -- -- people were quite hurt this really hurt by the surprise language used by the president.
What do you and let me ask you this what is is your sense of the president's motivation.
In putting forward an idea that and to my knowledge some have many leaders have talked about as a a in one form or another.
A result of whatever negotiations would take -- place between the Israelis and the Palestinians but certainly never condition -- into such a negotiation.
That is -- roll back to this pre 67 borders.
What could've motivated in your judgment.
The administration.
It's it's a good question why I think many people in Israel and in this country are asking themselves today.
This is clearly something the president deeply believes this was a speech that was vetted by his staff vetted by the State Department vetted by the National Security Council.
Again it wasn't something that was an ad hoc comment so this has to be something that the president deeply believes in.
And -- perhaps felt that he was taking a bold step towards trying to resolve.
-- what's -- 4463.
Year old conflict but really 2000 year old conflict.
Well -- 2000 year old conflict but for the purposes of our.
That have stated is an issue of 63 years duration since the United States was after all the first nation to recognize.
The State of Israel in 1948.
The United States has been the principal.
Benefactor or of Israel its principal and often -- Protectorate.
This is not the way for friends and allies to behave.
And it certainly seems to offer if you will comfort and -- call over to to the enemies of both Israel and the United States.
This publisher would you think it will be well actually about to -- I think I think you have to correct you know it's it's funny depending on what report you believe the prime minister was notified either 2448 hours.
Before the president's remarks asked to what would be in.
Those remarks and and basically the president took a 63 year old.
Friendship -- policy.
And reversed course a 180 degrees publicly.
It's you know my cable company gives me more -- than that when they want to make an appointment.
I so I you know in that sense.
It was difficult again but this is a French above 63 years the bonds are very deep both culturally value wise strategically.
I think this will be overcome in the near future it has to be overcome America needs Israel just is much is Israel needs America -- -- -- friends are going is that.
The wind is the United States need Israel.
Well Israel it as you have stated before many times and most people who are are keen observers know.
Radical Islamic world labels as all the small statement -- the little say in America the great save.
And and what happens in Israel will happen inevitably to the west.
And if it if Israel is to.
Be threatened by radical Islam and to be slowly taking over over whether it's through.
The return of refugees or through a diplomatic process that first this is 67 and then takes more.
It's inevitably bound to head towards the United States.
And the idea that product that was law will be an accepted part of any status quo.
In the immediate heard or even distant future.
Is certainly antithetical to the interest to the United States is it is to Israel.
But this is -- -- now into a into a confrontation between insights.
In two state leaders who are neither are overwhelmed by there.
Any sense -- modesty.
This has to be repaired can we expect to Benjamin Netanyahu to address this issue it a -- later tonight do you believe.
I think he may address that somewhat I think the the better place in a more appropriate place will be in his speech to a joint session of congress tomorrow.
We're one the support for Israel is unwavering and Israel's grateful for for the congress.
And there -- there -- along and support continued support through the decades so I think tomorrow may be the better and more appropriate place.
For him to begin to smooth this out but again this is -- deep close relationship.
Like the Merrill's marital -- this will be over comment and people.
Will one point go to bed -- I love you again for -- third role I love -- happy -- George slug through provides you.
George -- -- thanks for.
