Gilad Erdan
Gilad ErdanFlash 90

Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) launched an attack Thursday against MK Michael Oren (Kulanu) for the latter's accusation that US President Barack Obama "deliberately" tanked US-Israel relations. 

"Oren's statements do not match the reality," Erdan asserted. "Oren was mistaken when he accused President Obama of evil intentions toward Israel." 

Erdan stressed that Obama has worked hard for the Jewish state, listing US prevention of decisions against Israel at the United Nations and work to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries as examples. 

"A statement that the US President has abandoned Israel is a detached statement," Erdan argued. 

"There are disagreements of principle between the two countries," Erdan conceded, "and we will stand for our positions. But the United States was and still is our greatest friend and its support contributes crucially to Israel's economy, security and strength."

On Wednesday, Kulanu's chairman, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, penned an official apology letter to the White House by way of the US envoy to Israel, Dan Shapiro. 

In the letter, Kahlon stated that the former ambassador's views are his alone and that the accusations levied against Obama in the Wall Street Journal article do not represent the views of the Kulanu party. 

Kahlon also stressed that he greatly appreciates the Obama administration's contributions to Israel.