Clinton tells pro-Israel group Israeli construction hurts peace, damages US credibility
By Matthew Lee, APMonday, March 22, 2010
Clinton: new Israeli construction hurts peace
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says new Israeli construction on land claimed by the Palestinians threatens peace efforts and undermines America’s ability to help end the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Monday, Clinton says that Israel’s recent announcement of new housing in east Jerusalem exposed differences between the U.S. and the Jewish state that others could exploit. The Obama administration strongly criticized the step.
The dispute has sparked one of the worst crises between Washington and its top Mideast ally but both sides are trying to ease tensions.
Clinton got a warm welcome from the pro-Israel group, but her criticism of the Jewish state was met with silence.
