Kerry postpones Israel visit

US secretary of state currently attending strategy sessions on Syria, puts fifth Middle East visit on back burner

10 June 2013, 10:32 pm Edit
Secretary John Kerry with President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the World Economic Forum in Jordan in late May 2013 (photo credit: AP)
Secretary John Kerry with President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas at the World Economic Forum in Jordan in late May 2013 (photo credit: AP)

WASHINGTON (JTA) — US Secretary of State John Kerry is postponing a trip to Israel, reportedly to attend strategy sessions on Syria in Washington.

Kerry was due this week to make his fifth visit to Israel and the Palestinian areas since becoming secretary of state in February.

He has placed a high premium on restarting peace talks, appealing last week in an address to the American Jewish Committee to the US Jewish community to press leaders on all sides to advance talks.

Multiple news agencies on Monday reported that he would delay this week’s visit.

The Associated Press reported that Kerry was delaying the visit to attend White House strategy meetings that will consider arming Syrian rebels after Assad regime forces, coupled with the assistance of the Lebanese Hezbollah terrorist group, retook the key city of Qusair.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.