Netanyahu rejects US ”surprise” at Obama talks cancellation

Israel’s prime minister has rejected a White House claim that it was surprised by his decision to turn down the offer of talks with President Barack Obama. US officials complained on Monday that they had learnt via the media that Benjamin Netanyahu had cancelled a planned visit to Washington next week. But Mr Netanyahu’s office […]

Israel’s prime minister has rejected a White House claim that it was surprised by his decision to turn down the offer of talks with President Barack Obama.
US officials complained on Monday that they had learnt via the media that Benjamin Netanyahu had cancelled a planned visit to Washington next week.
But Mr Netanyahu’s office said Israel’s ambassador had said on Friday there was a good chance he would not be visiting.
Relations between Mr Netanyahu and Mr Obama have long been strained.
Last year, the White House accused the Israeli leader of a breach of diplomatic protocol after he arranged to address a joint session of Congress without consulting or notifying the president.
He used the speech to urge US lawmakers to reject the nuclear deal with Iran, which he viewed as a danger to Israel.