Posted on 07/23/2014 1:29:04 AM PDT by bd476
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
What a man of great bravery.
My friend's wife and her small gang of NYC women also just flew into Tel Aviv for some ASPCA-sponsored event. They are apparently unaware that the US FAA can close down airports in other countries.
Those ladies also showed signs of sheer will before heading to have umbrella drinks at the bar.
yup
I agree with that. There is much to criticize Kerry for, but he is SOS, and this appears to be a non-issue.
The FAA ban is just OBama imposing sanctions on Israel without officially imposing sanctions.
In short, more use of government agencies to punish his political enemies.
I believe AF1 aircraft have special protection from missile attacks; something similar to what ElAl also uses.
Because the POTUS usually flies around in these aircraft, I’m very happy to know there is extra protection.
Is that a rhetorical question?
Did he bring his see-kret ag-unt hat with him?
“Netanyahu is considering restricting flights from the United States.”
Considering the violence in Chicago and the ongoing border invasion, perhaps all flights to the US should be banned...
Too bad he made it.
Kerry went in because there was no real danger. The FAA decision was purely political to put more pressure on Israel to agree to a cease fire.
I wonder how many US military jet fighters accompanied him???
EODGUY
Exactly! The law doesn’t apply to the poobahs.
Everyone is equal, but some are more equal than others.
Journalists in this country do what they are told....to do on a fairly regular basis..particularly when it involves arranging to take the spotlight off a corrupt tyrannical administrations...”mistakes”
OOPS LOOK WHAT KERRYS DOING..fits that mold nicely
>> in a sign of sheer will<<
My God this man is amazing!! Are they sure he was actually on a plane and didn’t fly in with his cape to thunderous cheers and applause!!
This reporter needs to wipe his chin......
lol
Surprised he didn’t take a boat through Cambodia to get there.
I’m John Kerry, and I am too pompous for Hamas to shoot down.
Curse you, Spell Check! Must have clicked where I should have clacked.
Kerry has now left Israel without a ceasefire.
I’m sure the Israelis are pleased he is gone now!
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