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Sarkozy: Netanyahu's a liar. Obama: I have to deal with him every day
Joe Murphy, Political Editor8 Nov 2011
Nicolas Sarkozy was plunged into a diplomatic storm today after describing the prime minister of Israel as a liar.
The remark about Benjamin Netanyahu was made privately to President Obama at the G20 summit but was picked up by a radio microphone. "I can't bear to see him any more, he's a liar," Mr Sarkozy said in French.
Mr Obama's reply was almost as embarrassing. "You may be sick of him, but me, I have to deal with him every day."
The pair were caught out in just the same way as Gordon Brown during the last general election when he was overheard describing a woman voter as a "bigot".
Their microphones were left running after a press conference as they retired to a private room during the summit in Cannes where world leaders had gathered to try to sort out the economic crises.
The exchange was accidentally overheard by journalists listening on headphones who agreed to a demand from the French president's office to keep the remarks private.
However, hints of the conversation gradually leaked out and they were finally published in full this morning in Jerusalem papers.
The incident happened after Mr Obama used the meeting to upbraid Mr Sarkozy for voting in favour of the recent Palestinian bid for full membership of the UN cultural organisation, Unesco. Israel and America fiercely opposed it.
A day after the conversation, Mr Sarkozy made comments that were supportive of Israel.
He condemned Iran's nuclear programme and vowed that France would act if Israel's security is threatened. In the past, Mr Sarkozy has hinted that France could recognise Palestinian statehood without waiting for a comprehensive peace agreement. He has, however, fully supported the two-state solution that requires Israel to be secure.
One French journalist told the website Arrêt Sur Images that the conversation was picked up for around three minutes before officials realised the mistake. A spokesman for Mr Netanyahu declined to comment on the report.
David Cameron's spokesman said Mr Netanyahu was "an important partner" in Middle East issues but that Britain did not agree with him on everything.
"We think Israel needs to stop settlement building and return to talks," he said.
"But the Prime Minister considers him [Netanyahu] to be an important partner in managing critical regional issues."
Reader views (14)
imagine how Palestinians feel when the world leaders admit yet enjoy the luxury of being far away and conveniently leaving this lying, law braking scum to continually strangle the starving, vulnerable Palestinians, steal their food and medicine Aid, and still illegally occupying their country. it's an outrage.
- nick, london, 10/11/2011 14:28
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The truth hurts.
- Arfur Towcrate, Staffycher, 09/11/2011 13:53
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Says a lot for both of them. From the mouth of one pompous French egoist and the vague comment of the President of the USA. If Sarkozy doesn't trust Netanyahu - perhaps he should opt out of telling Israel what to do and voicing his egoistic Gaelic opinions in order to curry favour with his Muslim supporters. And, Barak "Hussein" Obama? Another non partisan politician????
- Dr. David, Cicklewood - London, 09/11/2011 13:12
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Without exception, I have yet to hear one statement from an Israeli politician, official spokesperson or apologist which is not a deliberate lie or at best a deliberate distortion (to suit themselves) of the facts as they exist. Netanyahu is no different to any other Israeli politician, he insults us with his comments and has the brass neck to expect us to believe the most blatant lies. Thank goodness, the world is now getting aware of the truth with regard to the Israeli treatment of the Palestinians and now it is being recognised by western politicians. Oh! that Cameron and his bunch were the same as Sarkosy and Obama, but I am forgetting, the Tory party and some of their members are being funded by Israel or some of their proxies. And yes Stephen Rothbart, I have travelled widely in Israel and the "occupied territories" and can give chapter and verse "truth" on anything that the apologists for this regime say.
- M. Clift., Worcester., 08/11/2011 19:15
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Stephen Rothbart,
point is that Mr Netanyahu is a liar full stop.
Obama can bug him everyday if he wants, what with all the financial and military aid + the Veto always in Israel's favour when there is UN condemnation of Israeli actions, i can give you a long list if you like?
America is the Superpower after all not Israel!
- Hutch, London UK, 08/11/2011 18:03
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So what's new?
- Jimmy, Camden Town, 08/11/2011 17:54
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Tony, London, two comments on the same subject within 7 minutes of each other, and both as mixed up as what passes for your brain, it seems. Try writing when you have not been imbibing is my advice old sport.
And why did you assume it's Netanyahu who telephones Obama every day? Given Obama's need to interfere in everything Israel is doing, even though he has never bothered to go there (prefers bowing to Saudi Kings it seems), I think it's probably the other way round.
- Stephen Rothbart, Prague, Czech Republic, 08/11/2011 16:58
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Does President Obama speak fluent French?
- Sue R, London, 08/11/2011 16:33
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Find me a French politician who ever spoke the truth
Chirac Mitterand d'Estaing Sarkozy Strauss Kahn...the list is endless
- peter Doff, filey uk, 08/11/2011 16:17
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Sarkozy and Netanyahu are legends! They said 'privately' what they would like to say publicly but are afraid of the Israel bullyboys getting them! And why is Netanyahaha aloowed to bug the President of the US every single day anyway? Can't someone tell him to go away???
- Tony, london, 08/11/2011 15:34
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Ain't they all??
- Crazy Hippie, 10 Drowning Street, London SW1 1AA, 08/11/2011 15:28
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Sarkozy and Obama are legends! They said what they would really like to say publicly if only the Israel lobby wasn't on their necks! And why is Netanyahu bugging the President of the USA every single day??? Shouldn't he be told to get lost or something? What a pain in the ... (well, you know where)
- Tony, london, 08/11/2011 15:27
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So now we know the true Nicolas, and how he got the rather large proboscis shown in the photo. What is poor Pinocchio doing without it.
Must be the Napolean in him, small man big ego!!!
- alan, Carlisle uk, 08/11/2011 15:05
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Well that will not help them in their elections in 2012 .
That said Marine Le Pen will not be picking up votes for obvious reasons but may put her ahead of Sarkosy again .
If that happens then RIP EU and expect a tsunami of immigrants heading for benefits heaven .
Is our clueless government prepared ? Not a chance .
- remus, london, 08/11/2011 14:30
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