US President Barack Obama granted a private interview to Ilana Dayan who hosts a Tuesday night investigative news program on Channel 2. The interview in the White House took place on Friday, 11 Sivan 5775.

Regarding the agreement with Iran, Mr. Obama explained there are two arguments against the agreement but explained the unprecedented monitoring would make it immediately known if Tehran does not comply.

Regarding those who fear that by lifting sanctions Iran would possess new economic tools and abilities to export terror the president explains the sanctions cannot be imposed forever. He assures us that if the need arises, the ‘snapback” system would be in place and sanctions would be restored immediately.

Then came the assault against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, as the US leader explained he feels Israel is losing its credibility as a peacemaker. Mr. Obama’s prediction for the coming 18 months is a pessimistic one. “I do not see the likelihood of a framework agreement” he stated.

“Netanyahu is someone who loves Israel deeply,” stated the president, but cited Mr. Netanyahu has always been skeptical regarding peace negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

“I think Netanyahu is someone who is predisposed to think of security first; to think perhaps that peace is naïve; to see the worst possibilities as opposed to the best possibilities in Arab partners or Palestinian partners. And so I do think that, right now, those politics and those fears are driving the government’s response,” the president added. He believes that policy decisions in Israel are “motivated by fear”, which the US leader feels may interfere with regional peace-making efforts.

The president feels that the prime minister’s has strengthened the belief of the international community that he opposes a Palestinian state and this state would not be established during his tenure. The president added the international community does not believe Israel is serious regarding the two-state solution and Israel risks losing credibility by continuing to be inexorable regarding the establishment of the PA state.

The president stressed the US wants and supports the Israeli democracy and Jewish homeland but the issue of the Palestinians must be addressed and resolved. Mr. Obama feels that Israel cannot just address immediate terror threats but Jerusalem must address the diplomatic process.

“I have never suggested that Israel should trade away its security for the prospect of peace. I consider it a moral obligation for us to support a Jewish homeland,” the president continued.

Dayan questioned if the United States would continue using its veto power in the United Nations to back Israel.

The president stated “Well, here’s the challenge. If in fact there is no prospect of an actual peace process if nobody believes there is a peace process, then it becomes more difficult to argue with those who are concerned about settlement construction, those who are concerned about the current situation.”

The president added that if there is nothing encouraging on the horizon it is more difficult for him to tell the PA to be patient.

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http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/israel-q2_2015/Article-692caf90e65bd41004.htm&Partner=flash_embedplayer

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)