Netanyahu touts ties with Trump, warns against 'shooting from the hip'

"I take this upcoming meeting as a very important step in building our trust, the trust between an Israeli Prime Minister and the American President."

By ARIEL WHITMAN
Updated: JANUARY 23, 2017 17:05
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the Trump tower (photo credit: KOBI GIDON / GPO)
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the Trump tower
(photo credit: KOBI GIDON / GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that his phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday night was "warm" and that it "reflected our deep ties."
Speaking at the Likud faction meeting, Netanyahu said he congratulated Trump on his inauguration and acknowledged his "unconditional support for Israel."
"President Trump believes that peace will be achieved through direct negotiations without any pre-conditions, does that sound familiar?" Netanyahu jested.
"He said that he has unwavering support for Israel's security, does that sound familiar?" he repeated.
"And he also spoke with me about the danger posed by Iran, does that sound familiar?" Netanyahu said again.
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The Premier also said they spoke about a wide range of issues during their phone call and told members of his party that "he invited me to meet him as soon as possible."
"I take this upcoming meeting as a very important step in building our trust, the trust between an Israeli Prime Minister and the American President."
Netanyahu continued by saying that "we are at the start of a period of great opportunity for us," and perhaps warning the right-wing members of his coalition, he said, "This is not the time to shoot from the hip, this is not the time for surprises, this is the time for diplomacy between friends that will strengthen our ties."
"Therefore for the good of our country and the settlement enterprise I suggest everyone put aside all other considerations and let me lead the policy."
"God willing," Netanyahu said, "With cooler heads and patience we will lead our nation into a new era that will strengthen our security, our economy, our settlements and our diplomacy."