Netanyahu harming ties with US: Opp leader

The remarks by opposition leader Shaul Mofaz came as Netanyahu and the White House locked horns over how to handle Irans nuclear programme, with Israel threatening unilateral military action against Tehran, despite American objections.Mofaz said Netanyahus pursuit of a very public dispute with President Barack Obama over Iran was an attempt to sway US voters against the US leader, who faces a challenge from Republican rival Mitt Romney in the November ballot.Israeli meddling in internal US affairs and turning the US administration from an ally to an enemy has caused us severe damage, Mofaz charged, at a session of the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset.Please explain to us: who is Israels greatest enemy -- the US or Iran? Who do you fear more -- (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad or Obama? Which regime is more important to overthrow -- the one in Washington, or in Tehran? he asked.Explain to us, prime minister: what are your red lines for handling the crisis with the United States? he said in a spin on Netanyahus repeated demands vis-a-vis Irans nuclear programme, which Israel and much of the West believes is a drive for weapons.Over the past 10 days, Netanyahu has repeatedly urged the international community to lay down clear red lines to Iran and make clear the consequences of crossing it, in what was widely interpreted as overt criticism of Washington.The United States is our greatest friend. It was before you and will be after you: the warm friendship doesnt depend on one president or another, Mofaz said.Dont sacrifice our relations with the United States on the altar of Irans nuclear programme.Israel has said a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the Jewish state and has wielded the threat of military action, but Washington backs continued diplomatic pressure and says it is not the time for a strike.