WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama
administration pushed back strongly Monday at a torrent of Israeli
criticism over Secretary of State John Kerry's latest bid to secure a
cease-fire with Hamas, accusing some in Israel of launching a
"misinformation campaign" against the top American diplomat.
"It's simply not the way partners and allies treat each other," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
Her
comments were echoed by the White House, where National Security
Adviser Susan Rice said the U.S. was "dismayed" by mischaracterizations
of Kerry's efforts. Israeli media reports have cast Kerry as seeking a
cease-fire that is more favorable to Hamas and being dismissive of key
Israeli concerns.
