U.S. Department of State

Photo of the Week: Celebrating Hanukkah Around the World

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro lights the menorah in Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, December 12, 2012. [State Department photo by Matty Stern/ Public Domain]

About the Author: Sarah Goldfarb serves as DipNote’s Associate Editor.

Our “Photo of the Week” comes to us from Matty Stern, the photographer at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, and shows U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro lighting the menorah on the fifth night of Hanukkah in Dizengoff Square on December 12, 2012.

In Washington, President Obama and the First Lady celebrated Hanukkah with a reception at the White House on the sixth night of Hanukkah on December 13. This year, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, began on Saturday, December 8 and concludes on Sunday, December 16.

In a statement, the President said, “Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Hanukkah around the world.

“This Hanukkah season we remember the powerful story of the Maccabees who rose up to liberate… more »

Recent Israeli Announcements on Settlements

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 3, 2012

The United States opposes all unilateral actions, including West Bank settlement activity and housing construction in East Jerusalem, as they complicate efforts to resume direct, bilateral negotiations, and risk prejudging the outcome of those negotiations. This includes building in the E-1 area as this area is particularly sensitive and construction there would be especially damaging to efforts to achieve a two-state solution. ‪ ‪

We have made clear to the Israeli Government that such action is contrary to U.S. policy. The United States and the international community expect all parties to play a constructive role in efforts to achieve peace. ‪We urge the parties to cease unilateral actions and take concrete steps to return to direct negotiations so all the issues can be discussed and the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security can be realized.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy 2012 Saban Forum Opening Gala Dinner in Washington, D.C., November 30, 2012. [Go to http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/11/201343.htm for a text transcript.]

Readout of the President’s Call to Prime Minister Netanyahu

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
November 21, 2012

President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu today and reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security.

The President made clear that no country can be expected to tolerate rocket attacks against civilians.

The President expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s efforts to work with the new Egyptian government to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and a more durable solution to this problem.

The President commended the Prime Minister for agreeing to the Egyptian ceasefire proposal – which the President recommended the Prime Minster do – while reiterating that Israel maintains the right to defend itself.

The President said that the United States would use the opportunity offered by a ceasefire to intensify efforts to help Israel address its security needs, especially the issue of the smuggling of weapons and explosives into Gaza.

The President said that he was committed to seeking additional funding for Iron Dome and other US-Israel missile defense programs.

Today’s Bus Bombing in Tel Aviv

Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 21, 2012

The United States strongly condemns this terrorist attack and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the people of Israel.

As I arrive in Cairo, I am closely monitoring reports from Tel Aviv, and we will stay in close contact with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s team. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance that Israel requires.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, New York on September 27, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses the United Nations Security Council session on peace and security in the Middle East, New York, NY, September 26, 2012. You can read the Secretary’s full remarks here.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak in New York, New York on September 23, 2012. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

Firebomb Attack in West Bank

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
August 17, 2012

The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms yesterday’s attack on a Palestinian taxi in the West Bank. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, among them children, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We note that the Government of Israel has also condemned this heinous attack and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. We look to Israeli law enforcement officials to do so expeditiously. We urge all parties to avoid any actions that could lead to an escalation of violence.

Statement by the President on the Terrorist Attack in Bulgaria

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

July 18, 2012

I strongly condemn today’s barbaric terrorist attack on Israelis in Bulgaria. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured, and with the people of Israel, Bulgaria, and any other nation whose citizens were harmed in this awful event. These attacks against innocent civilians, including children, are completely outrageous. The United States will stand with our allies, and provide whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack. As Israel has tragically once more been a target of terrorism, the United States reaffirms our unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security, and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people.

You can also read the statement here.