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Theresa May criticises Obama administration's Israeli stance

Prime Minister Theresa May has distanced herself from US President Barack Obama's stance on Israel and condemned the attack by his secretary of state on the Israeli government.

Downing Street said it was "not appropriate" for John Kerry to brand Benjamin Netanyahu's administration as the "most right wing in history", which saw him accused of bias by the Israeli prime minister.

Kerry made the claim while accusing Netanyahu's government of undermining attempts at a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians by building settlements in the West Bank.

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Kerry: 'Obama's government is greatest friend to Israel'

Kerry said the US had shown Israel 'unwavering commitment' Credit: Pool

No US government has done more to protect Israel's security and ensure its future than Barack Obama's, according to John Kerry.

The US Secretary of State said its vote not to veto a UN resolution calling for an end to Israeli settlement building was in line with securing the Middle Eastern nation's future.

"We cannot properly defend and protect Israel if we allow a viable two-state solution to be destroyed before our own eyes," Kerry said.

He added that the US vote was about "preserving the two-state solution", maintaining that the country had shown "unwavering" commitment to Israel.

"Israel's future is a Jewish and democratic state, living side-by-side in peace and security with its neighbours," Kerry said.

He added: "No American administration has done more for Israel's security than Barack Obama's."

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Theresa May criticises Obama administration's Israeli stance

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