Kerry responds to criticism of his 'apartheid' remarks

Jerusalem Post:
US Secretary of State John Kerry issued a forceful statement on Monday night responding to fallout from his use of the term 'apartheid' to characterize a potential future Israeli political reality, should a two-state solution with the Palestinians fail to come to pass.

"I will not allow my commitment to Israel to be questioned by anyone, particularly for partisan, political purposes," Kerry said in the statement, issued by the State Department. "I do not believe, nor have I ever stated, publicly or privately, that Israel is an apartheid state or that it intends to become one."

"I have been around long enough to also know the power of words to create a misimpression, even when unintentional, and if I could rewind the tape, I would have chosen a different word," Kerry added.
...
Kerry is using a straw man argument.  The criticism of the remarks was bi-partisan. Whether he allows it or not, he has brought his support for Israel into question.  His quixotic quest for an agreement has been a disaster.  It seems clear to those on the outside that neither party is interested in an agreement on the terms the other finds acceptable.

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