Speaking to Israel's Army Radio, Housing and Construction Minister Uri Ariel criticized Obama telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. "Leave us alone," Ariel told Army Radio, directing his words at Obama. "Go focus on Syria."
Obama spoke with Netanyahu Sunday about the rising number of Palestinian deaths in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
"Building on Secretary Kerry's efforts, the President made clear the strategic imperative of instituting an immediate, unconditional humanitarian ceasefire that ends hostilities now and leads to a permanent cessation of hostilities based on the November 2012 ceasefire agreement," the White House said in a statement, adding that the president reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself from rocket attacks from Hamas.Ariel told Army Radio that Israel's offensive should be more aggressive. "It was obvious that international pressure would mount eventually," Ariel stated. "We should have acted faster, harder and with more determination. The rocket threat needs to be tackled. The tunnel threat is being addressed, but it is not enough."
Ariel claimed that the pressure from the White House for an immediate ceasefire was "outrageous" and would "help Hamas," according to Breitbart News. "[W]e never thought it would be the Americans who would lead the pressure," Ariel told Army Radio.
Comment: Nice to see a twinge of conscience (or sway from public opinion), but a bit too late for the 1,100 dead Palestinians and 55 Israelis and the ongoing destruction in Gaza. Will Obama stand his ground or will Netanyahu yank his chain one more time?