LOUISVILLE – Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) released the statement below following Secretary of State John Kerry’s speech earlier today regarding Middle East peace.

“I commend Secretary Kerry on his forthright and accurate analysis of the reality of Israeli-Palestinian dynamics. He has dispassionately laid out both the history of Israeli settlements and the repercussions of those settlements for the prospects of a peaceful future for both Israel and the Palestinians.

“More important, Kerry spoke from the perspective of U.S. strategic interests and how they differ from the actions and words of current Israeli leadership. I have long believed that Prime Minister Netanyahu has arrogantly believed that the United States should support any Israeli action, regardless of whether it upholds U.S. interests in the Middle East. His response to Secretary Kerry's speech confirms that belief.

“I strongly endorse the principles enunciated by Mr. Kerry, as well as the decision to allow the U.N. Security Council to pass the resolution with no dissenting votes.”

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