Israeli MPs on Wednesday accused US President Barack Obama of meddling in "Israel’s" upcoming elections, after an opinion piece purported to outline his view on Benjamin Netanyahu’s "self-defeating" policies.

Israeli MPs on Wednesday accused US President Barack Obama of meddling in "Israel's" upcoming elections, after an opinion piece purported to outline his view on Benjamin Netanyahu's "self-defeating" policies.

The piece, which was published by the prominent Bloomberg columnist Jeffery Goldberg noted that Obama appeared to see Netanyahu as a "political coward" vis-a-vis the peace process with the Palestinians, and considered that he was completely "captive to the settler lobby," and his settlement activity was moving Israel "down a path toward a near complete isolation."

Member of the Israeli Knesset on the Likud list, Danny Danon said Wednesday that such commentary would only bring Netanyahu, who is already the clear frontrunner, more votes.

"Any external intervention attempt only brings us more seats," he told the Zionist daily Yediot Aharonot.

For his part, Netanyahu visited the Gaza border Wednesday and the Zionist daily Jpost quoted him as replying on Obama.
"I think everyone understands that only Israel's citizens will be the ones to determine who faithfully represents Israel's vital interests," Netanyahu said in his first direct response to Obama's reported criticism.

"Over the last four years we stood up against strong pressure, and I will continue to do so for Israel's security”.

However, Jpost had reported earlier Tuesday that senior Likud officials had already accused Obama of leaking sharp criticism on Netanyahu’s leadership in order to sway voters in next Tuesday’s election.