Obama Slams Israel for Stalling Talks on ‘Effective, Contiguous Palestinian State’

President Obama, in what’s very likely his last televised interview on “60 Minutes” on CBS News, denied any sort of U.S.-Israeli breakdown in warm relations under his administration – but then slammed the Jewish state for what he described as tossing away any chance for peace with the Palestinian people.

Specifically, Obama said Israel’s settlements have “gotten so substantial” that they are preventing any chance to forge an “effective, contiguous Palestinian state,” he said.

The Daily Mail has the story:

“Speaking to CBS’ 60 Minutes, Obama dismissed the idea that there is a ‘major rupture’ in the relationship between the United States and Israel after last month’s decision by the U.S. to abstain from a United Nations vote condemning Israeli settlements.

“‘Because of our investment in the region, and because we care so deeply about Israel, I think (the U.S.) has a legitimate interest in saying to a friend, ‘This is a problem,’ Obama said.

“‘It would have long-term consequences for peace and security in the region, and the United States.’”

Israel’s settlements are on land captured after the Six-Day War in 1967 with Egypt, Jordan and Syria and the armies of Lebanon.

The United Nations, pressed by Palestinians and governments unfriendly to Israel, has since maintained a political view the Jewish state does not rightly belong on the property.

Again, from the Daily Mail:

“Most countries view the settlements as an obstacle to peace. Israel disagrees, citing a biblical, historical and political connection to the land, as well as security interests. Washington considers the settlement activity illegitimate.

“The Obama administration clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in late December after the US broke with a longstanding approach of diplomatically shielding Israel.

“The US abstained on a UN Security Council resolution that declared Israeli settlements in the West Bank criminal in nature. It passed with 14 countries in favor and none against.

“In response, Netanyahu accused the Obama administration of not just abandoning its customary U.N veto, but authoring the resolution.”

Donald Trump, meanwhile, has taken a decided stance in favor of Israel. He’s tweeted support for the Jewish state, telling Israelites to “stay strong” and reminding January 20 and his rise to the White House “is fast approaching” and reminding Obama’s on his way out.