Netanyahu confession from the US ambassador! 'A poisonous figure'

Former Ambassador Shapiro, who gave an interview to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, emphasized that the Democrats, who won the US midterm elections, do not want to work with Netanyahu, while the Republicans increasingly identify the current Israeli Prime Minister with the war against Iran, which the domestic public does not support.

Shapiro emphasized that it has become impossible to repair Israel's damaged reputation in the eyes of the United States without a leadership and policy change.

'A TOXIC NAME'

Speaking after the US midterm elections on November 3, in which Democrats won the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Shapiro said, "The problem is that as long as there is a Netanyahu-led government in Israel, no one from the Democratic Party will be willing to restart relations. Netanyahu is a poisonous figure for all Democrats, and they now have an overwhelming majority in Congress." he said.

Emphasizing that Netanyahu seems problematic in the eyes of Republicans and that he is identified with the Iran war, which the US public reacts against, Shapiro continued as follows:

"Netanyahu also has a problem with the Republicans. He is identified with the war against Iran. Americans hate this war and the huge costs it brings."

Shapiro said, "I don't think Israel can stop the loss of credibility in the United States without new names and a new discourse that do not carry the burden that Netanyahu brought with them." he said.

'THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP UP'

Regarding US President Donald Trump's decision to stop $4 billion in aid to Israel, Shapiro emphasized that he sees the end of this aid as inevitable, regardless of the exact timetable.

Shapiro said the following about the decision, which was stated to be met with surprise in Israel:

"Everyone agrees that aid to Israel will end, whether immediately, within a year, or within a few years. Israel will make the necessary adjustments and use its own budget to procure what it needs, and American companies selling to Israel will have to adapt."

The former US Ambassador to Israel pointed out that if the Tel Aviv administration wants to continue purchasing weapons from the US in the future, it will do so within the limits allowed by American laws, but such restrictions may depend on Israel's political leadership and the policies it will follow.

Stating that the purpose of these restrictions will be to prevent the use of American-made weapons against US laws, values ​​or interests, Shapiro said, "How can we make sure that things that the United States does not approve of do not happen? How do we protect American values, interests and laws? The main purpose here is to prevent the killing of innocent civilians." he said.

'THE NEW GOVERNMENT TO BE ESTABLISHED WITHOUT NETANYAHU IS THE FIRST STEP TO MIXING RELATIONS'

Former US Ambassador Shapiro said that a political change in Tel Aviv would be the most important first step towards improving relations with Washington, but it would not be sufficient on its own.

Beyond replacing the Netanyahu government, Shapiro emphasized that in order to improve relations, radical changes in Israeli policy must be made, including taking measures against the violence of the Israelis who usurped Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank and ending the expansion of illegal settlements.

Noting that there is a consensus among Democrats for the US to put pressure on settler violence in the West Bank, Shapiro added that the fundamental issue is how Washington will use its influence.