Israeli PM lauds partnership with U.S., scolds local opponents JERUSALEM, Nov, 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday chided political opponents who said he had interfered in the U.S. presidential elections, and stressed solid ties between the two nations. Speaking at a cornerstone-laying ceremony for a new hospital in coastal Ashdod, Netanyahu said that "One of the foundations of our security is the brave partnership between us and the United States. " Terming the relationship between the two allies as "a strategic partnership," Netanyahu said "We have cooperation in all areas but especially in the security sphere." Netanyahu said cooperation between the two was "deep, broad and fundamental," and added that he would continue to work with U.S. President Barack Obama "in order to advance the vital interests of the State of Israel regarding the security of Israel's citizens." But, turning to local political rivals, he said, "In recent days, I have been hearing voices -- that are coming from among us - - that are trying to stir things up between us and United States," adding "This will not help them." On Wednesday, former prime minister Ehud Olmert slammed Netanyahu's seeming support for Mitt Romney, Obama's opponent in the hard-fought race -- particularly during a visit by the Republican candidate to Israel this summer. Political analysts are debating if Olmert will decide to run as leader or part of a potential center-left bloc in the upcoming national elections on Jan. 22, 2013. "Following what Netanyahu did