John Kerry Flies to Tel Aviv Despite FAA Ban

AP and ABC News ^ | TEL AVIV, Israel — Jul 23, 2014, 4:12 AM ET

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John Kerry Files (sic) to Tel Aviv Despite FAA Ban

AP and ABC News
TEL AVIV, Israel — Jul 23, 2014, 4:12 AM ET

The top U.S. diplomat defied a Federal Aviation Administration ban and flew into Israel's main airport Wednesday in a sign of sheer will to achieve a cease-fire agreement in the warring Gaza Strip despite little evidence of progress in ongoing negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry planned to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during what appeared to be a crucial day in the flailing talks. U.S. officials have downplayed expectations for an immediate, lasting truce between Israel and the Hamas militant group that controls Gaza. At the least, Kerry's mission Wednesday sought to define the limits of what each side would accept in a potential cease-fire.

Kerry flew into Tel Aviv on an Air Force jet one day after the FAA banned commercial flights into Ben-Gurion Airport. The FAA imposed the 24-hour restriction after a Hamas rocket landed within a mile of the airport on Tuesday.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Wednesday's meetings would continue Kerry's efforts to get Hamas and Israel to declare a truce after more than two weeks of fighting in the Gaza Strip. More than 630 Palestinians and about 30 Israelis have been killed in the violence.

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Truth29 wrote: " 'The top U.S. diplomat defied a Federal Aviation Administration ban and flew into Israel's main airport Wednesday in a sign of sheer will to achieve a cease-fire agreement in the warring Gaza Strip despite little evidence of progress in ongoing negotiations.'

This reads like it is from parody site like The Onion rather than a news site. Maybe that is what has become of American journalism; it has become a parody."

Excellent insight, Truth29. Kind of gives me the willies thinking about it, though. Purposeful parody, propaganda puff-pieces... where does it end?! /end alliteration ;)

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South40 wrote: "I don’t mind that he went. What bothers me is that he plans to come back."

Hahahaha ding, ding, ding, high five! That's a winner, South40!

[Eleutheria5]

One stray Hamas rocket, and he’s Lord Moynh II. Let’s hope they’re out of them, and that Iron Dome works. Not that I enjoy his presence, but because I wouldn’t be able to bear the media feeding frenzy that would result from his demise.

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DoughtyOne wrote: "Kerry sure knows how to prove the FAA has it’s head firmly implanted. For once, he may have actually been useful. "

Useful? It hasn't happened yet. Did you hear his oops, hot mike moment the other day?

Kerry recorded on a hot mike and his long-winded explanation

Transcription of Kerry trying to dig himself out:

Pre-Show Hot Mike Catches Kerry Mocking Israel-Avoids Repeating When Asked During Show

[servo1969]

I’m stealing that!

[b4its2late]

He’s such a fool as is his boss. No wonder the the world is laughing at us.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Netanyahu is considering restricting flights from the United States.

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PghBaldy wrote: "So did the statue of Ozymandias have to dodge sniper fire and come in in a corkscrew fashion?"

LOL! Marvelous mix of mental images, PghBaldy! :)

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Lonesome in Massachussets wrote: "Netanyahu is considering restricting flights from the United States."

Oooh, joke or possibly true? It's easy to understand how Netanyahu would lose his patience with any one of the three stooges.

[DoodleDawg]

Please tell me they’re not that stupid. But then again, it’s ABC.

[Piranha]

The ban is the manifestation of corruption of another government agency to serve the political ends of the Obama administration.

Obama and Kerry must have been salivating for another opportunity to stick it to the Jews and hand Hamas a victory by isolating Israel.

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Vinnie wrote: "Taking a chance like that!! He deserves a Silver Star w/ Oak Leaf Clusters for valor to go with his Purple Hearts he got in Vietnam. Did you know he was in Vietnam?"

ROFLOL! Excellent! High five, Vinnie!

[dforest]

Israel should have run this guy out on a rail. How can you trust a guy whose assistant tweeted solidarity with Hamas?

Despicable administration

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Eleutheria5 wrote: "One stray Hamas rocket, and he’s Lord Moynh II. Let’s hope they’re out of them, and that Iron Dome works. Not that I enjoy his presence, but because I wouldn't be able to bear the media feeding frenzy that would result from his demise."

Good point, Eleutheira5.

[bert]

never let a crisis go to waste....... have the FAA impose a flight ban to force ceasefire negotiations

Then although not invited nor wanted, force yourself on Israel and Palestine to smirk about disregarding the ban and use the leverage to force your will

The end of the rule of the treacherous tyrant can’t come too soon

[bert]

I could, with pleasure

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And right there is your answer.

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Bert wrote: "never let a crisis go to waste....... have the FAA impose a flight ban to force ceasefire negotiations

Then although not invited nor wanted, force yourself on Israel and Palestine to smirk about disregarding the ban and use the leverage to force your will

The end of the rule of the treacherous tyrant can't come too soon "

Very well said, Bert.

[Bogey78O]

Yes.

They’re more determined to make him into a heroic diplomat who’s more Audie Murphy than John Kerry.

He is not important to the peace. His ego is obsessed with making a mark. He didn’t “defy” any ban.

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dforest wrote: "Israel should have run this guy out on a rail. How can you trust a guy whose assistant tweeted solidarity with Hamas? Despicable administration"

Agree, DForest. Just so bizarre and difficult to accept that Kerry is in the position he is in now, and that Obama is in the WH.