1300 EST Freeman's fall

The withdrawal of the Obama administration's nominee to Chair the National Intelligence Committee has triggered a debate about the power of the Israeli lobby.

In a letter explaining his withdrawal from the appointment process, Charles Freeman launched a blistering attack on what he called the "Israel lobby".

He said it had lied about his record, smeared his character and attacked his credibility. Had he become Chair of the National Intelligence Committee, Mr Freeman said, the attacks would have continued and undermined America's intelligence agencies.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee - one of Washington's most influential lobby groups - has denied taking a formal position on Mr Freeman. But many other pro-Israeli commentators had strongly attacked the appointment, accusing him of being too close to Saudi Arabia, a country where he was once the US Ambassador.

His criticisms of Israeli government policy and past comments in favour of the Chinese government were also highlighted.

Mr Freeman had been touted by the Administration as someone who could examine both sides of an argument. Mr Freeman said his treatment raises questions about the Obama team's ability to make independent decisions about Middle East policy.