US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday expressed support for Israel’s right to “defend” itself from “terrorism” and “senseless violence,” in comments that will be viewed as deeply disappointing by Palestinians.
Speaking before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Kerry said: “It is very clear to us that the terrorism, these acts of terrorism which have been taking place, deserve the condemnation that they are receiving.”
He expressed his “complete condemnation for any act of terror that takes innocent lives and disrupts the day-to-day life of a nation.”
Kerry made no mention of either Palestinians or Israel’s nearly 50-year military occupation of the Palestinian territory in the comments.
At least 93 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis since the beginning of October. While Israel alleged many of those were attempting to attack Israelis when they were shot, Palestinians and rights groups have disputed Israel’s version of events in a number of cases.
The attacks that have taken place — claiming the lives of 19 Israelis — have been accompanied by a wave of popular unrest that has swept the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel.
While Israelis have sought to blame the unrest on religious incitement, Palestinians have pointed to Israel’s occupation and ongoing settlement program, no prospect of a political solution, and a deep sense of frustration and despair.
Kerry said that “Israel has every right in the world to defend itself. It has an obligation to defend itself. And it will and it is. Our thoughts and prayers are with innocent people who have been hurt in this process.”
He said he wished to talk with Netanyahu about a joint bid “to push back against terrorism, to push back against senseless violence and to find a way forward, to restore calm and to begin to provide the opportunities that most reasonable people in every part of the world are seeking for themselves and for their families.”
Israeli daily Haaretz reported on Tuesday that Netanyahu is seeking US approval on construction inside Israel’s illegal settlement blocs in return for possible concessions in the occupied West Bank.
A senior Israeli official told the newspaper that the US wanted Israel “to implement a package of meaningful measures in the West Bank,” while Netanyahu had “made it clear that we want American recognition of the settlement blocs and of the fact that we can build there.”
Before meeting with Kerry, Netanyahu said the US was “a friend in our common effort to restore stability, security and peace.”
– Read more: Kerry Supports Israeli ‘Self-defense’ against ‘Senseless Terrorism’ – Maan
Bibi and Kerry; figuring out how to destroy more of Palestine, for the self-ascribed, “jewish state”. Kerry doesn’t seem to comprehend that, under international law(s), the OCCUPIER has absolutely NO right to, “self-defense” (and there is no such precept)., but those occupied ARE not only given such a right, they are expected to do so.
Why does Kerry get it so wrong?
I would say it is because he hopes we. too, will not have it in our little heads to reason, either (or, too.)
Kerry has no back bone he’s bought body n soul by the Israelis. He talks terrorism what doe he expect the Pals to do roll over n play dead?
Whey does he ignore the interenattional courts.
He’s a jelly fish