Israel Matzav

Two highlights from Tuesday's State Department press briefing

Crowley couldn't and therefore didn't answer persistent questions coming from one press corps member seeking to know when was the last time the U.S. failed to back up Israel at the U.N. The questioner was ostensibly referencing reports that the administration was trying to convince the Israelis to extend the settlement freeze by promising to veto any future attacks on Israel in international fora. "I'm not sure that is a question that can possibly be answered," Crowley said.

Crowley said he was hopeful that the Senate might confirm the still lingering nominees for Ambassador to Turkey (Frank Ricciardone) and Ambassador to Syria (Robert Ford) and added that the delay is hurting American diplomatic efforts. "It does have an impact. These are vitally important countries to the future of the region. They are countries that, you know, we need that kind of day-to-day interaction with. And we're hopeful that when the Senate reconvenes after the election, that their nominations will go forward," he said.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:13 PM