John Kerry fired what was widely seen as a frustrated parting shot at Israel amid rising tensions Wednesday, warning, as "a friend," that the country needs to hear some "hard truths" about its settlement policy, which he believes is jeopardizing any hope of a two-state solution. The Wall Street Journal notes that the Kerry speech also appeared to be a warning to the Donald Trump transition team about the danger of breaking with longstanding US policy on working toward a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Before the speech, Trump tweeted that Israel shouldn't be treated with "such total disdain and disrespect." He urged the country to "stay strong" because Jan. 20 is "fast-approaching." A round-up of coverage:
- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not welcome the criticism: The Times of Israel reports that he attacked and ridiculed Kerry's speech in Hebrew, then in English. "Is that all he's got?" wondered Netanyahu, slamming Kerry for attacking the "only democracy in the Middle East" and vowing to work with Trump to "repeal" a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements, which the US, to the fury of Israel, did not veto.
- The Washington Post looks at the background to Obama's decision to abstain instead of vetoing the UN resolution. Its sponsors were determined to call a vote before Obama left office, insiders say—and Obama, with "nothing to lose," decided to take a stand.