In the midst of trying to improve French relations with Israel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy was overheard telling President Obama that he “can’t stand” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, FOX News is reporting. Sarkozy also called Netanyahu a liar at the Group of 20 summit in Cannes, which was overheard via headsets used for simultaneous translation of an upcoming news conference.

Obama reportedly responded “You are sick of him, but I have to work with him every day.” Obama was also heard asking Sarkoxy to help persuade the Palestinians to halt efforts to gain recognition of a Palestinian state by the U.N.

Several french-speaking journalists overheard the comments, but were asked not to initially report them. Sarkozy’s office asked them not to turn on the headsets until the press conference began, and the comments were considered private under French media traditions.

Sarkoxy’s office wouldn’t comment on the remarks, or on France’s relations with Israel. The White House and Netanyahu’s spokesperson also said they wouldn’t respond to the comments.

Written by: Karen Benardello