Netanyahu slathers praise on Trump for making US-Israel relationship ‘stronger and deeper’

The Netanyahu-Trump meeting in a hotel at the sidelines of the United Nations in New York today was marked by Trump’s carney chatter about a two-state solution (“a fantastic achievement. We are giving it an absolute go.  I think there’s a good chance that it could happen.  Most people would say there’s no chance whatsoever”) and fulsome praise by Netanyahu of Trump clearly intended to show that the Obama days are past and gone.

Here are Netanyahu’s fulsome remarks. The relationship between the two countries has never been stronger or deeper–  and some of that closeness has been behind closed doors.

Mr. President, it’s great to see you again.  I want to say that under your leadership, the alliance between America and Israel has never been stronger, never been deeper.  I can say this in ways that people see and in ways that they don’t see.  So I want to thank you for that.

Equally, I look forward to discussing with you how we can address together what you rightly call is the terrible nuclear deal with Iran and how to roll back Iran’s growing aggression in the region, especially in Syria.

As you said, we will discuss the way we can seize the opportunity for peace between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arab World.  I think these things go together, and we look forward to talking about how we can advance both.

Finally, we’re going to be speaking tomorrow at the U.N., and I want to say that under President Trump, America’s position towards Israel at the U.N. has been unequivocal, it’s been strong, it’s got both clarity and conviction.  And I want to thank you on behalf of the people of Israel and Israel’s many friends around the world.  Thank you, Mr. President.

Netanyahu doubled down later, in a series of tweets. Look who’s tweeting now!

Was great meeting with you today @realDonaldTrump. Together we are bringing the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights.

Under your leadership, @realDonaldTrump, the alliance between the United States and Israel has never been stronger.

Under President Trump, the US position toward Israel in the UN has been unequivocal; it’s been strong; it’s got both clarity and conviction.

Of course some of this is Netanyahu’s play for Trump to end the Iran deal. But maybe it’s true too: the relationship has never been stronger or deeper. So what does that tell you about the Israeli government?

Update: Netanyahu also echoes Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner in a call to Jewish leaders on Friday:

Under the President’s leadership, America’s relationship with the State of Israel has never been stronger, and our country’s commitment to Israel’s security has never been greater.