search

White House compares Boris Johnson to Israeli envoy

Josh Earnest says US will work with new UK foreign secretary despite Obama criticism; likens appointment, unflatteringly, to Ron Dermer’s

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson addresses staff inside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in central London on July 14, 2016. AFP/POOL/Andrew Matthews)
Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson addresses staff inside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in central London on July 14, 2016. AFP/POOL/Andrew Matthews)

White House spokesman Josh Earnest indirectly compared new British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to Israeli envoy Ron Dermer when asked if the US administration would be able to work with someone who has been vocally critical of Obama.

“I got questions of this variety when Prime Minister Netanyahu had announced that Ambassador Dermer would be the Israeli envoy to the United States. What I said in that situation is what I’ll say here,” Earnest said.

Earnest then went on to highlight the fact that the US and UK’s special relationship “transcends any single personality.”

“The decision we will make is to seek to deepen and strengthen our special relationship with the UK, regardless of who serves in a position as prominent as foreign minister,” he said.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Tuesday, March 31, 2015. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
White House press secretary Josh Earnest. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Ex-London mayor Johnson, who led the successful Brexit campaign for Britain to leave the EU but is also an eccentric figure known for his gaffes and buffoonery, was chosen Wednesday by Theresa May as the top diplomat. Among other outspoken remarks, he has referred to Obama as the “part-Kenyan President [with an] ancestral dislike of the British Empire,” and compared Hillary Clinton to “a sadistic nurse in a mental hospital.”

Israel's Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, July 29, 2014 (Ron Sachs)
Israel’s Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, July 29, 2014 (Ron Sachs)

Dermer has also been known to be critical of Obama and the White House, though with considerably less colorful language.

Earnest also said Obama had called to congratulate new British Prime Minister Theresa May.

“The president certainly looks forward to working with Prime Minister May in the six months he has remaining in office,” Earnest said.

read more:
Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.