US, Israel clash over criticism of Kerry

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

The State Department publicly battled a barrage of Israeli criticism on Monday over Secretary of State John Kerry’s efforts to secure a cease-fire with Hamas, in the latest signs of strain between the Obama administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

 

Administration officials spoke in unusually blunt terms in defending Kerry, accusing some in Israel of launching a "misinformation campaign" against the top American diplomat.

 

"It's simply not the way partners and allies treat each other," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

 

Other branches of the administration also leapt to Kerry’s defense. National Security Adviser Susan Rice said they were “dismayed” by reports “mischaracterizing” Kerry’s efforts.

 

Her deputy, Tony Blinken, said "Israel has no better friend, no stronger defender than John Kerry."

 

By late in the day, both sides appeared to be trying to move forward, with Psaki saying the U.S. is working toward a “humanitarian ceasefire” and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. saying he speaks for the prime minister in saying “the criticism of Secretary Kerry is unwarranted."

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"Smart" diplomacy.

[Valin]

@WestVirginaRebel

 

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