Clinton pledges 'unshakeable' bond with Israel

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday said the United States and Israel have a "close, unshakable bond" and that Washington remained absolutely committed to Israeli security.

"We have an absolute commitment to Israel's security. We have a close, unshakable bond between the United States and Israel," Clinton told a news briefing, markedly softening the rhetoric after several days of sharp diplomatic exchanges over Israel's announcement of new settlement construction. (Reuters)