Speaking with Kol Chai Radio following recent events surrounding Jerusalem construction, MK Yaakov Katz of the Ichud HaLeumi opposition party gave Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu a very low rating, lamenting construction realities since he assumed office.

Katz explained that Netanyahu holds the record for not building anywhere in the capital, a prime minister who policy is unprecedented. He blames the prime minister for shooting himself in the foot, creating his own difficult situation, one that he is now working to climb out of.

“He gives the impression that the United States runs the country, not us,” he added, while stressing and acknowledging the importance of maintaining good relations with the United States, but with setting red lines.

“Do you know couples live in parking areas and storage rooms,” he added, stressing the critical housing shortage and the need for widespread construction.

Katz blames Netanyahu for giving even more legitimacy to the US and its dictates by his actions and inactions since assuming office. “We must hope and daven for a new leader”, a leader which understands the mission he explains, concluding “we do not instruct America how and where to build in relation to the Mexicans and we expect reciprocity…the prime minister’s actions are an embarrassment”. 

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
We are shocked and stunned at the Administration’s tone and public dressing down of Israel on the issue of future building in Jerusalem.   We cannot remember an instance when such harsh language was directed at a friend and ally of the United States.  One can only wonder how far the US is prepared to go in distancing itself from Israel in order to placate the Palestinians in the hope they see it is in their interest to return to the negotiating table.

“It is especially troubling that this harsh statement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly and privately explained to Vice President Biden the bureaucratic nature in making the announcement of proposed new building in Jerusalem, and Biden accepted the prime minister’s apology for it.  Therefore, to raise the issue again in this way is a gross overreaction to a point of policy difference among friends.

“The Administration should have confidence and trust in Israel whose tireless pursuit for peace is repeatedly rebuffed by the Palestinians and whose interests remain in line with the United States”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)