Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni blasted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, warning his criticism of President Barack Obama could damage U.S.-Israeli relations. Livni also called on Netanyahu to resign.
Livni’s broadside followed Netanyahu’s strong response to
President Barack Obama’s call on Thursday for an Israeli-Palestinian based on the 1967 borders. Netanyahu said those borders would be “indefensible.”
"An American president that supports a two-state solution represents the Israeli interest and is not anti-Israeli," said Livni. "President Obama's call to start negotiations represents Israel's interests."
Livni leads Israel’s Kadima Party, while Netanyahu is the head of Likud.
“A prime minister that harms the relationship with the United States over something unsubstantial is harming Israel's security and deterrence,” she said, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Livni also left no doubt she wanted Netanyahu to step down.
“I am saying this loud and clear," said Livni, according to the Post.
One member of Livni’s own party criticized her stance, however.
“Obama’s speech has placed before Israeli society and its representatives the challenge of unity and national agreement,” Knesset member Otniel Schneller said. “The political disagreements and aspiration of the opposition parties should not overpower their responsibility for the future of the state.”
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.