World Jewish News

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and U.S. President Barack Obama.

White House: Emanuel didn't threaten to walk away from peace talks

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel denied reports that said he is fed up with Israel and the Palestinians, a White House aide told Haaretz on Wednesday.

The White House aide emphasized that Emanuel's statements were distorted. "He expressed frustration with the lack of progress with the peace process, but he certainly didn't threaten to walk away from it. The allegations are completely ridiculous," the aide said.

Emanuel met with Jacob Dayan, consul general of Israel in Los Angeles, about two weeks ago, after which Dayan briefed the Foreign Ministry.

According to reports, Emanuel told Dayan the U.S. is sick of the Israelis, who adopt suitable ideas months too late, when they are no longer effective.

The U.S. is also sick of the Palestinians who never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity, Emanuel reportedly said.

Emanuel added that if there is no progress in the peace process, the Obama administration will reduce its involvement in the conflict, because, as he reportedly said, the U.S. has other matters to deal with.

The White House reports that Dayan later claimed that Emanuel's views were distorted. Dayan stressed that during his visit to Los Angeles, Emanuel reiterated his unflagging commitment to Israel's security and his devotion to the search for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Emanuel reportedly also said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the two-state solution too late, and that the freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank came only after months of U.S. pressure.

The report added that both sides reportedly rejected the peace plan proposed by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, but that if there is progress in peace talks, Obama might visit Israel and the region.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren also wished to reiterate Israel's complete confidence in Emanuel's leadership and his friendship with the State of Israel.

Haaretz