Netanyahu: Outcome of US elections will only improve ties with Israel

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that “whoever is elected, I am convinced that US-Israel relations, which are solid and strong, will not only remain as such, but will further strengthen.”

Just two days before America goes to the polls to vote in one of the most crucial elections in its history, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that no matter what the outcome of the elections and no matter who is elected, Israel’s solid relations with the US will remain so and even grow stronger.

Speaking at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that “whoever is elected, I am convinced that US-Israel relations, which are solid and strong, will not only remain as such, but will further strengthen.”

He also expressed Israel’s expectation that the incoming administration will “remain faithful to the principle” that previous administrations have adhered to, namely that the “Israeli-Palestinian dispute can be resolved only by direct negotiations without preconditions, and of course, not in decisions by the UN or other international institutions.”

Netanyahu may be alluding to Jerusalem’s fears that President Barack Obama will launch a last-ditch diplomatic initiative at the United Nations during the interim period between the elections in November and the swearing-in of the elected president in January that would severely hinder Israel’s maneuvering abilities during any upcoming negotiations with the Palestinians.

He again stressed that “the alliance with the US is the first, most fundamental and most important of all of our relationships. Thus it has been and thus it will continue.”

In this context, the Israeli premier also noted Israel’s developing relations with many other countries, including the world’s major powers such as China, Russia and India.

“All of these [developing diplomatic ties] reflect the strengthening of Israel’s position on the international plane, which stems from our special capabilities in security, the economic sphere and in technology,” Netanyahu said.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News