Israeli Defense Minister Apologizes for Kerry Criticism

The Obama administration has demanded – and received – an apology for the controversial remarks of Israeli Defense Minister Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon, on Tuesday.

“The defense minister had no intention to cause any offense to the secretary and he apologizes if the secretary was offended by words attributed to the minister,” according to a statement.

On Tuesday Ya'alon made headlines around the world with several comments debasing John Kerry’s efforts in the region.

“The only thing that can 'save us' is for John Kerry to win a Nobel [Peace] Prize and leave us in peace,” he said.

“Secretary of State John Kerry, who came here very determined and operates based on an unfathomable obsession and messianic feeling, cannot teach me anything about the Palestinians…I live and breathe the conflict with the Palestinians. I know what they think, what they want and what they really mean,” he added.

As for John Kerry, he remains “undeterred” by the minister’s comments.

“We're going to work with both sides," Kerry said. “I will work with the willing participants who are committed to peace, and committed to this process.”

But Yoram Ettinger, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., says he hopes that the remarks will serve as a wake-up call to the U.S.

“In a way, Bogie's commentary constitutes a wakeup call for the U.S. to abandon its wishful thinking and reconnect with reality,” he said.

Publication Date: January 15, 2014.