“Secretary of State John Kerry – who has come to us determined and is acting out of an incomprehensible obsession and a messianic feeling – cannot teach me a single thing about the conflict with the Palestinians,” Yaalon was quoted as saying.

“The only thing that can save us is if Kerry wins the Nobel prize and leaves us alone.”…

Speaking to students in southern Israel on Tuesday, in comments broadcast on Army radio, Yaalon did not refer to the newspaper report directly, but he appeared to try and exercise damage control in ties with Washington.

“Even if there are differences and friction within various discussions, and there are, they must not affect the interests or common goals of Israel and the United States,” Yaalon said.