Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossam Zaki called on the international community Sunday to carry on with the campaign against Israel in
an effort to persuade the Jewish state to stop its "provocative actions".
Referring to Israel's decision to approve
the construction of 1,600 housing units in east Jerusalem, Zaki told Egyptian television station Nile News that "Israel's actions prove that it is the one not interested in peace, and the Americans have begun to realize this."
| Harsh Criticism |
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| NYT columnist: Israel lost contact with reality / Yitzhak Benhorin |
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In article titled 'Driving drunk in Jerusalem', Thomas L. Friedman says US vice president should have gotten right back on Air Force Two immediately after Jerusalem construction decision, leaving behind a note reading, 'You think you can embarrass your only true ally in the world with no consequences?' |
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He further added that, contrary to Israel, the Arabs and Palestinians "have been reaching out for peace in preparation for the indirect negotiations."
Meanwhile, Jordan's King Abdullah warned against continued Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and against any unilateral Israel measures "that may change the city's (Jerusalem) identity and threaten its holy sites".
King Abdullah was further quoted by the Petra News Agency as saying that Israel's actions may hinder the efforts to achieve peace and destabilize the region.
The White House isn't relenting in its strong criticism of Israel for plans to build in east Jerusalem, which Palestinians are seeking as their future capital.
Israel announced the construction plans last week, just as Vice President Joe Biden was visiting the region.
President Barack Obama's chief political adviser said
the Israelis' action was both an "affront" and an "insult." David Axelrod told NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday that the move “seemed calculated to undermine” the so-called proximity talks going on between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
He added the timing of the announcement was "very destructive."
AP contributed to the report
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