Washington (CNN) -- Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon traveled to Washington last week expecting to see top Obama administration officials.
Instead, he found himself with a lot of time on his hands.
The White House denied him meetings with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Senior administration officials attributed the snub to numerous negative comments Ya'alon made earlier this year criticizing the administration in general and Kerry in particular.
"It shouldn't have been a surprise given some of his comments," a senior administration official said about Ya'alon's visit. "We give you $1.3 billion of aid and you are dumping on us. None of our friends have been disrespectful to the extent of Israel."
Still, the episode offers a startling illustration of how badly relations have deteriorated between the U.S. and Israel -- long-term allies -- because of irritation with Ya'alon. It also reflects years of pent-up frustration in the White House over Israel's role in the Middle East peace process.
White House snubs Israeli official - CNN.com
Instead, he found himself with a lot of time on his hands.
The White House denied him meetings with Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Senior administration officials attributed the snub to numerous negative comments Ya'alon made earlier this year criticizing the administration in general and Kerry in particular.
"It shouldn't have been a surprise given some of his comments," a senior administration official said about Ya'alon's visit. "We give you $1.3 billion of aid and you are dumping on us. None of our friends have been disrespectful to the extent of Israel."
Still, the episode offers a startling illustration of how badly relations have deteriorated between the U.S. and Israel -- long-term allies -- because of irritation with Ya'alon. It also reflects years of pent-up frustration in the White House over Israel's role in the Middle East peace process.
White House snubs Israeli official - CNN.com
