Snide Israeli criticism of John Kerry's Middle East peace bid has finally triggered US anger after a weeks-long whispering campaign, but his secretive, solo diplomacy has exposed him to attack.
As Kerry has shuttled between Palestinian and Israeli leaders, seeking painful compromises from both sides, he has faced growing personal attacks portraying him as well-meaning but naive.
With few details emerging from his closely-guarded talks, both sides have vented their frustration in the media, flinging mud at the US secretary of state in a bid to ensure their point of view is heard.
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But hardline Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon seems to have gone a step too far yesterday when he branded Kerry's quest an "incomprehensible obsession" and described him as a man with a "sense of messianism."
In an unusually robust response to Washington's closest regional ally, the White House called the remarks "offensive and inappropriate" and a State Department official demanded an apology.
