US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Friday said Israel's behaviour during the visit of Vice President Joe Biden to the couintry was "insulting," raising the level of tension in an open diplomatic rift with Israel.
"The announcement of the settlement the very same day the vice president was there was insulting ... an unfortunate and difficult moment for everyone," Clinton said in an interview with CNN, dpa reported.
She was referring to the Israeli government's announcement on Tuesday that it plans to build 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem - the same day Biden arrived in Israel.
The move came just as Washington had brokered indirect talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Clinton's remarks followed a stern conversation she had earlier Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where she expressed "strong objections" to the plans.
US was insulted by Israel's housing plans - Hillary Clinton
See Also:
- Clinton, Lieberman hold talks for first time in 18 months
- Clinton blasts Russia, China over Syria resolution veto
- US to continue working for Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution
- Azerbaijani President meets U.S. Secretary of State (PHOTO)
- Syria civil war likely after UN move blocked - Hillary Clinton
MOST READ
Read more news in category:
- “U.S. encourages everybody to buy less Iranian crude”
- “Iranian gov’t spends money on nuclear program instead of its people’s welfare”
- Turkish FM discusses situation in South Caucasus in U.S. Congress
- Barack Obama praises Italian premier on economic crisis
- Iran could hit U.S. forces anywhere if attacked - ambassador
