Israel's Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren kept a straight face and message on Tuesday night, despite gentle interrogation from Stephen Colbert. The mock conservative chat show host questioned Oren over US President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Israel and Israel's intentions regarding Iran's nuclear program.
"Netanyahu wanted the other guy, that's clear," Colbert stated, referring to the prime minister's alleged support for Republican candidate Mitt Romney during the November 2012 presidential elections. "It's not", insisted Oren, "Israel does not get involved in internal politics." "You're adorable!" interjected an apparently disbelieving Colbert.
Turning to Iran, Colbert asked Oren, "When does the bombing start?"
"No country has a greater interest than Israel in resolving the Iranian nuclear threat by diplomatic means," said Oren."We have the most skin in the game."
"I want you to tell Netanyau when you get back there, that the Colbert Nation is behind Israel on this one", the host said, "and if you do bomb Iran, we are right behind you with just as many nuclear weapons as you admit to having."