27/11/2009 A day after Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that the security cabinet had approved a partial moratorium on building in the West Bank, Israeli Sports and Culture Minister Limor Livnat launched an unprecedented attack on US President Barack Obama. Speaking at a Likud activists' meeting in Beersheba, Livnat said that Israel had "fallen into the hands of a horrible American administration." "The administration isn't what it once was; it is harder [on us]," she added.
 
Livnat offered her spin on Netanyahu's decision to freeze the settlements, explaining that she felt "uncomfortable."
 
"I know that the prime minister is in distress. The pressures are great, and it is not easy to stand up to the American president. I know what a campaign of tribulations he placed before the prime minister."
 
Netanyahu's office quickly denied any connection to Livnat's comments. "The statements attributed to Livnat don't reflect the prime minister's opinion in any way," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement.
 
"Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed many times his appreciation of the brave alliance between Israel and America that has continued during the Obama administration and [the prime minister] thanks President Obama and the American administration for their commitment to Israel's security and to achieving peace in the region."
 
Livnat herself later backed down from the statements, telling media outlets that she wasn't sure which words she had chosen, but repeating her opinion that the administration was being "hard" on Israel.
 
Meanwhile, Netanyahu's critics in his own party remained largely silent Thursday, waiting for someone else to make the next move.
 
At least two Likud ministers - Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein and Environmental Protection Minister Gilad Erdan - oppose the move, as do a number of Likud MKs as well as a number of field activists.
 
"Freezing construction means freezing birth, continuing concessions and transferring Jews who want to settle the land of Israel. I will not lend a hand to a process that will ultimately endanger Israel's security and will not bring peace any closer," said Edelstein, shortly after Netanyahu announced the security cabinet's decision during a dramatic Wednesday night press conference. But less than a day later, the minister was quiet, biding his time and watching the unfolding drama.