Israeli authorities worried over US ties

Reports that the White House was considering boycotting the pro-Israeli AIPAC conference over the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to speak at Congress on Iran has led to a wave of criticism Saturday among rivals of Netanyahu.

"Relations with the US, which are a pillar of Israel's national security, have been severely damaged and we must urgently rehabilitate them," said Amos Yadlin, the Zionist Camp's candidate for minister of ‘defense’ (war).

"Netanyahu is not 'Mr. Defense'. He has failed in defense," Yadlin said at a cultural event in Holon.

“Netanyahu is weak not just against Iran, but also weak against Hamas.”

Chairman of another anti-Netanyahu party, Meretz, Zehava Gal-On told a cultural event in Rehovot that the White House is considering boycotting a conference for the leading pro-Israel lobby in the US.

"Netanyahu's speech is damaging Israeli-US relationship - both (Israel's) ability to be a player in the Iranian arena and now also the Israel lobby. As usual, the prime minister is disconnected, continuing to disrespect the whole world and take care of no one but himself. His insistence to address Congress has turned AIPAC into a hostage of his disputes and is causing irreversible damage to Israel's support system in the US."

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman too criticized Netanyahu’s inability to decide during crises.

"Our biggest problem is an inability to decide in all departments – defense, economic, and politics. The cost of apartments is rising because of an inability to decide in the economic department."