Benjamin Netanyahu was recorded attacking the EU’s “crazy” insistence on resolving the conflict with the Palestinians as a condition for closer ties with Israel.
The Prime Minister’s comments were accidentally broadcast to journalists in another room during his meeting with the leaders of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“There is no logic here,” he said of EU policy.
“Europe is undermining its security by undermining Israel.
‘‘Europe is undermining its progress by undermining the connection with Israeli innovation because of a crazy attempt to create conditions (for peace with the Palestinians). It’s crazy. I think it’s actually crazy.”
European ties with Israel would determine whether the bloc would “thrive or disappear”, he said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is hosting the meeting, gave assurances on behalf of the four countries that they would press Brussels to work more closely with Israel.
Read the full article by David Charter at The Australian (subscription only).