Ron Lauder Repeats His Critique of Netanyahu on Israeli Television

Figures close to Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment at the harsh criticism levied Monday by World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder about the prime minster's approach to the peace process. The remarks were made to a closed meeting in Jerusalem of Jewish parliamentarians from abroad.

Lauder, who until recently was considered a close Netanyahu supporter, reiterated his position yesterday in an interview with Channel 2. He told the television station that Israel was isolating itself and warned of the potential negative consequences in the event that 110 United Nations member states were to recognize an independent Palestinian state in September.

Israel must be seen to be negotiating with the Palestinians without preconditions, Lauder told Channel 2, warning, "Time is not working on Israel's side."

In a related development, the U.S. Senate yesterday passed a resolution threatening to suspend American assistance to the Palestinian Authority if its leaders "persist in efforts to circumvent direct negotiations by turning to the United Nations or other international bodies." The resolution was co-sponsored by 87 senators. Critics of the measure said that implementation of the threat could jeopardize U.S. leverage over the Palestinians.

Speaking to Channel 2, Lauder rejected Netanyahu's demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state prior to negotiations. Lauder said that if a peace agreement is reached, the world will know that Israel is a Jewish state regardless of any formal recognition of the fact. He said the problem of Jerusalem could be solved and that it must remain open to all three major monotheistic religions.

Lauder did not deny reports of tension with Netanyahu, saying that while they had been friends for 30 years and would be for another 40 every friendship has its ups and downs.

Uncharacteristically, this year Netanyahu did not attend last week's annual WJC convention in the capital, cancelling at the last moment.

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were reportedly upset over the failure by Lauder, a major shareholder in Israel's Channel 10, to prevent the station from airing a series of reports on alleged financial misconduct by the couple.

When asked about the investigative reports during his Channel 2 interview, Lauder said he was prohibited by law from interfering in such broadcasts.

With reporting from Washington by Natasha Mozgovaya