WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday beat back criticism that his perceived backing of Mitt Romney in the US presidential election hurt his relations with President Obama.
Netanyahu tweeted that he called Obama to congratulate him, saying, “Your victory was a vote of confidence in your leadership.”
The prime minister also released a statement rebuffing his critics.
“There are those among us who are trying to cause conflict between us and the United States,” said Netanyahu. “They won’t get away with it. The alliance with the US is firm.”
Israeli newspapers blasted Netanyahu after the US election, saying the prime minister’s welcoming Romney during a campaign visit to Israel would only harden already frosty ties with Obama.