Veteran US Senator John McCain, who failed in his presidential bid against President Barak Obama in 2008, spoke with Israel’s Channel 10 News.

When asked to comment on the United Nations General Assembly vote in favor of Palestine obtaining non-member observer status, a move that defied both Israel and the United States, McCain stated it is clear that Israel must respond, suggesting that both Israel and the US confer on a joint plan of action. He added that the PA (Palestinian Authority) understands money and funding, and he for one does not favor sending taxpayer funds to the PA when it feels it can ignore the White House’s directive and do as it pleases.

Regarding the controversial announcement by Israel to build 3,000 additional housing units in areas deemed objectionable by the United States, McCain explained he would not have pressured Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu; acknowledging relations between the prime minister and the president are not good. He did not feel however that it was America’s decision regarding lands in Israel.

On that note, he added that it appears Netanyahu will be reelected and President Obama is in a second term. McCain feels from a pragmatic point of view the two should work to improve relations. He reminded the audience that “America is not Iran’s first target” sending a message to the White House to be a bit more tolerating and understanding when it comes to Israel’s dealing with Iran. He explains that if he was president, he would sit with Israeli officials and reach agreement on red lines, which may not necessarily be announced, but Washington and Jerusalem would be on the same page.

“Out of pure pragmatism I’d think that there’s going to be greater cooperation, but at the same time Israel is not going to allow the United States or any country dictate its policies, particularly where Iran is concerned.”

Asked to comment on Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign comment that President Obama “threw Israel under the bus”, McCain stated “I am not sure I would have used that phraseology, but President Obama ran against me and at the time said his first priority was the Israel-Palestinian peace talks. He then demanded a settlement freeze. That is a non-starter and I stated so at the time.”

He suggested appointing the “highest ranking person” as a personal White House emissary towards attempting to jumpstart the diplomatic process between Israel and the PA, suggesting former President Bill Clinton. McCain stated several times that the Mideast issues are quite complicated.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)