The White House today lashed out at the Israeli Defence Minister over his "offensive" remarks that the quest for Middle east peace by US Secretary of State John Kerry is "obsessive".
"What I can tell you is that the remarks of the Israeli defence minister, if accurate, are offensive and inappropriate, especially in light of everything that the United States is doing to support Israel's security needs," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
"Kerry and his team have been working nonstop in their efforts to promote a secure peace for Israel because of the deep concern the United States has and the deep commitment the United States has for and to Israel's future and the Israeli people," he said.
"To question Kerry's motives and distort his proposals is not something we would expect from the defence minister of a close ally...If those remarks are accurate, as reported."
Carney said the US is committed to Israel's security.
"We are committed to the Middle East peace process in a way that secures Israel," he said.
"Kerry met in Paris on Sunday with the Arab peace initiative follow-up committee as part of a regular process of the negotiation consultations on the final negotiation process between the Israelis and the Palestinians," he said, adding that the API follow-up committee has been enormously helpful and constructive in this effort.
"The Arab foreign ministers made clear to Kerry that they support Israeli and Palestinian leaders' efforts to take the next bold, courageous steps of agreeing to a framework for permanent status negotiations," he said.
Carney said both the Israeli and Palestine leaders have demonstrated courageous and determined leadership over the last five months.
"They've made tough choices, and they are contemplating even tougher choices in the weeks ahead. We have made progress with both parties and narrowed some of the gaps, and we will continue to seek to narrow the gaps," he said.
