The Israeli defense minister’s reported description of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as “messianic and obsessive” is “offensive and inappropriate,” the State Department said in a rare and sharp rebuke to Israel.
Tzipi Livni and Naftali Bennett don’t much like each other, and their latest speeches highlight a huge divide within Israel’s government over negotiations with Palestinians.
Israel’s peace talks with the Palestinians remain mostly shrouded in secrecy, but one thing is certain: The Palestinian prisoner release that paved the way for their resumption is increasing tensions in Israel’s governing coalition.