Behind Closed Doors Panetta Called Israel Ungrateful, ‘Chazerai’

By: Yori Yanover

Published: August 2nd, 2012
Latest update: August 4th, 2012

Secretary Panetta (L) and Minister Barak in front of an Iron Dome rocket defense shield battery outside Ashkelon in southern Israel last Wednesday.
Photo Credit: Tsafrir Abayov/Flash90

Despite the commonly accepted view that the meetings of U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, and President Shimon Peres, were generally positive, in private conversations Panetta expressed frustration at the lack of confidence expressed by Netanyahu and Barak regarding the American commitment to stopping the Iranian nuclear program, Maariv reports. An Israeli source told the paper that the Americans believe Israel is being ungrateful. The source even used the term "Chazerai"—which in colloquial Hebrew means selfishness—to describe Netanyahu's and Barak's attitude in light of unwavering U.S. support for Israel's security.

Panetta's visit to Israel was intended to enhance the image of the Obama Administration's unquestionable supports for Israel without question. This is how political circles interpreted Panetta's decision to create a photo-op next to an Iron Dome battery near Ashkelon, just north of the Gaza Strip.

But before Ashkelon, Panetta met on Wednesday with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who lectured him on the futility of diplomacy, sanctions and "tough" statements which to date have not caused the Iranians nuclear program to budge. The PM also reiterated that the time to resolve the issue peacefully is running out.

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