As animosity between Iraq's rival factions splinter the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his support for Kurdish statehood.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:<br/> <br />"Regarding the Kurds, they are a fighting people that have proved their political commitment, political moderation, and deserve political independence."<br/> <br />Israel has quietly maintained military and intelligence ties with the Kurds for decades, seeing in the minority ethnic group a buffer against shared Arab adversaries.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:<br/> <br />"We should support international efforts to strengthen Jordan and support the Kurdish aspiration for independence."<br/> <br />Israel's position, appeared to clash with that of its close ally, the U.S.<br/> <br />Washington, and particularly Secretary of State John Kerry have pressed Kurdish leaders to stand with Baghdad.
