Statement on Secretary Kerry's Recent Comments on Israel

4/29/14

Recently, Secretary of State John Kerry caused consternation in Israel by stating that Israel could become an "apartheid state" if the latest round of Israel-Palestine peace talks fail.

"To imply in any way that the Israelis are the ones blocking our progress to peace in the Middle East is to have a profoundly wrong and one-sided view of affairs. It is imperative that American diplomats evaluate these negotiations from a position of honesty. In order to achieve a lasting peace, Palestinian officials must not condone, side with, or encourage the activities of terrorist organizations like Hamas."

"Secretary of State John Kerry can't resist putting his foot in his mouth as he practices his particular brand of diplomacy. After his many years in the Senate and as Secretary of State, Kerry should know that his odious suggestion that Israel risks becoming an apartheid state is both historically unjust and deeply offensive. His retraction last night was the very least he could do."

- Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)