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Relations between the two men, throughout their years in power, were characterized by tension that has resurfaced nearly a decade after the end of Obama's second term.
Without naming him, Netanyahu criticized on Friday statements made by Obama, in which he considered that Israel "lost its moral standing" in its dealings with the Palestinians.
Obama stated, during an event held Tuesday in Belfast, "I said this directly to Netanyahu when I was president: at some point, in order to break this cycle, the stronger party has a responsibility by virtue of its strength."
He added, "If Israel's logic is that, as the preeminent military and technological power in the region, it can ensure its security by doing whatever it wants and taking whatever it wants without making any concessions, that might work in the short term, but it will be a disaster for it."
Obama also directed sharp criticism at the Hamas movement for its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli media covered another part of his remarks regarding the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, and his statement in this regard that "the Jewish people were subjected for centuries to persecution, discrimination, and murder, and Europe was responsible for a large part of that."
He added, "They sought, which is understandable, a refuge in a place where they have historical ties, and this cannot be denied."
He continued, "But what also cannot be denied is that they took the land of another people. These people were expelled."
He said, in reference to the Palestinians, "And it is natural for them to say that this is an injustice, and that they want to reclaim their land."
Netanyahu responded to Obama by posting a video clip containing excerpts of his remarks, describing them as "regrettable."
He said, "The Jewish people are not foreign occupiers in the land of their ancestors. Our history is not a colonial project, and our land is not stolen." He added, "This is our homeland. Its name is Judea," using the Israeli term for the southern part of the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
Netanyahu had entered into sharp disputes with Obama during his two presidential terms between 2009 and 2017, especially against the backdrop of the US administration's policy toward Iran.
Before the upcoming elections in Israel on October 27, Netanyahu reiterated his accusation that foreign parties are seeking to remove him from power, attacking in particular New York City Council member Zohran Mamdani, known for his criticism of the Hebrew state.
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