UPDATE: It’s accurate — it comes from a tape leaked to the media.
UPDATE 2: On the other hand, the Administration is denying the authenticity of this transcript, however much it rings true:
We have seen reports of an alleged POTUS-Netanyahu transcript; neither reports nor alleged transcript bear any resemblance to reality 1/2
— @NSCPress (@NSCPress) July 29, 2014
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Channel 1 in Israel has just published a segment of a recent conversation between Obama and Netanyahu. If this is an accurate transcription, it’s astonishing — for Obama’s rudeness, for his absolute unwillingness to engage Netanyahu’s points about Hamas being a terror organization dedicated to Israel’s destruction, and his demand that Israel submit, make concessions, and accept Qatar and Turkey as mediators. (Thanks to Silvia)
Obama: I demand that Israel agree to a unilateral ceasefire and stop all offensive actions — especially air strikes.
Netanyahu: What will Israel get for stopping the fire?
Obama: I believe Hamas will stop the rocket firing — quiet for quiet.
Netanyahu: Hamas broke all five previous ceasefires. It’s a terror organization dedicated to Israel’s destruction.
Obama: I repeat that I expect Israel to stop all its military actions unilaterally. The destruction pictures from Gaza are distancing the world from Israel’s standpoint.
Netanyahu: Kerry’s offer was completely unrealistic and offered Hamas military and political advantages.
Obama: Within a week after Israel stops its military actions, Qatar and Turkey will start negotiating with Hamas based on the 2012 understandings, among them Israel’s commitment to lift the siege and limitations of Gaza.
Netanyahu: Qatar and Turkey are Hamas’ greatest supporters. It’s impossible to trust them to be fair mediators.
Obama: I trust Qatar and Turkey…Israel is not in a position to choose the mediators.
Netanyahu: I caution that Hamas will be able to continue to launch rockets and use tunnels for terror attacks….
Obama: (cutting off Netanyahu) The ball is in Israel’s court and it has to stop all its military actions.