ADL: Administration's Dressing Down of Israel is a 'Gross Overraction'

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:12:20 EST

Administration's Dressing Down of Israel is a 'Gross Overraction'

New York, NY, March 12, 2010 . The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said
it was shocked and stunned by the Administration's public dressing down of
Israel by saying it had "undermined trust and confidence in the peace
process, and in America's interests," as related by Assistant Secretary of
State Philip J. Crowley in his daily briefing. Crowley was referring to the
announcement about future building in Jerusalem made during Vice President
Joe Biden's Israel visit.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

We are shocked and stunned at the Administration's tone and public dressing
down of Israel on the issue of future building in Jerusalem. We cannot
remember an instance when such harsh language was directed at a friend and
ally of the United States. One can only wonder how far the U.S. is prepared
to go in distancing itself from Israel in order to placate the Palestinians
in the hope they see it is in their interest to return to the negotiating
table.

It is especially troubling that this harsh statement came after Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly and privately explained to Vice
President Biden the bureaucratic nature in making the announcement of
proposed new building in Jerusalem, and Biden accepted the prime minister's
apology for it. Therefore, to raise the issue again in this way is a gross
overreaction to a point of policy difference among friends.

The Administration should have confidence and trust in Israel whose tireless
pursuit for peace is repeatedly rebuffed by the Palestinians and whose
interests remain in line with the United States.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading
organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that
counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

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ADL: Administration's Dressing Down of Israel is a 'Gross Overraction'