Saban: Disputes should be private
Photo: Avi Waldman
Haim Saban hints: No more donations to Obama
Billionaire funder of 2008 Democratic campaign disappointed by Obama's conduct towards Israel
Media mogul Haim Saban, who has donated millions to the Democratic Party – especially during its 2008 campaign, led by President Barack Obama – has hinted that he will not continue to donate in 2012.
In an interview with CNBC Tuesday, Saban expressed his dissatisfaction with the public disagreements voiced by Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Op-Ed
Karl Asner
Op-ed: Just like anorexics, will US president realize error of his ways only after it’s too late?
"The US and Israel need to address the points of difference between them in private and not in front of the cameras," he said, heaping criticism on both leaders.
But his critique was mostly aimed at Obama. "I am perplexed as to why the president has been to Cairo, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey but has not stopped in Israel and spoken to the Israeli people," the billionaire said.
"I believe the president can clarify to the Israeli people what his positions are on Israel and calm them down, because they are not calm right now."
When asked whether he would donate to the Democratic Party in the same generous manner he had in the past, when he funded the construction of the party's new headquarters, Saban was evasive.
"(Obama) doesn’t need any of my donations. If I am solicited I will donate and I can tell you that my staunch support in enlisting people to contribute to the (Democrats) hasn't weakened," he said.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
