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Democrats Begin to Criticize Obama on Israel
(Politico) Ben Smith - Pro-Israel Democrats have begun to criticize the Obama administration's stern stance toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. As the stalemate continues, Democratic critics have begun to question the White House's public pressure on Netanyahu to reverse plans for controversial new housing and make other, unspecified concessions. Rep. Christopher Carney (D-PA) and Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) sent a letter Tuesday to President Obama asking the administration to climb down. "We urge your Administration to refrain from further public criticism of Israel and to focus on more pressing issues affecting this vital relationship, such as signing and enforcing the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act when it comes to your desk," they write. "While the recent controversy is regrettable, it should not overshadow the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance. A zoning dispute over 143 acres of Jewish land in Israel's capital city should not eclipse the growing threat we face from Iran." "We should not have a disproportionate response to Israel. We need to be careful and measured in our response, and I think we all have to take a step back," Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) said Monday. "While the timing of the east Jerusalem housing announcement was regrettable, it must not cloud the most critical foreign policy issue facing both counties - Iran's nuclear threat," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "The Administration, to the extent that it has disagreements with Israel on policy matters, should find a way to do so in private and do what they can to defuse this situation," said Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY). While the Congressional criticism remains measured, it appears to be growing louder.