JTA

October 3, 2014

The Orthodox Union and Anti-Defamation League criticized as unhelpful the Obama administration’s sharp rebuke to Israel for announcing building plans in eastern Jerusalem.

Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, in a statement Wednesday said that the building announcement last week by Israel would “distance Israel from even its closest allies” and “poison the atmosphere.” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki delivered similar remarks.

The Orthodox Union in a statement Thursday said that the statement ran counter to an otherwise constructive meeting Wednesday between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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