US President Barack Obama has called for Israelis and Palestinians alike to restrain themselves and put an end to acts of retribution.
He said he still believes it is possible for Israel and the Palestinians to achieve peace, saying that peace is the only path to security in Israel.
In an op-ed in the Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz, Obama called it a "dangerous moment" for the region. Writing in emotional terms, he said he couldn't imagine the pain suffered by the parents of the three Israeli teens, but was also heartbroken by the senseless murder of a Palestinian teenager who many suspect was killed as payback.
"All parties must protect the innocent and act with reasonableness and restraint, not vengeance and retribution," Obama said.
Obama's comments, published in Hebrew, Arabic and English, reflected growing U.S. concern about tit-for-tat violence spiraling out of control as the fragile situation in Israel appears to deteriorate.
After dozens of rockets rained on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Protective Edge in Gaza ‘’to stop the terror Israel's citizens face on a daily basis" including airstrikes. Israel authorized the mobilization of some 1,500 military reservists.
The White House said the op-ed was written before June 30 — the day the three Israeli teens were found dead — but later updated to reflect more recent events.
Obama also offered strong praise for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"In President Abbas, Israel has a counterpart committed to a two-state solution and security cooperation with Israel," Obama said.
Obama said the U.S. was disappointed that American-backed peace talks fell apart, but said the U.S. won't give up on peace.
"When the political will exists to recommit to serious negotiations, the United States will be there, ready to do our part," Obama said.
"While walls and missile defense systems can help protect against some threats, true safety will only come with a comprehensive negotiated settlement. Reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians would also help turn the tide of international sentiment and sideline violent extremists, further bolstering Israel’s security," Obama wrote.
‘’That’s why Secretary Kerry and I remain determined to work with both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President (Mahmoud) Abbas to pursue a two-state solution. When the political will exists to recommit to serious negotiations, the United States will be there, ready to do our part.’’
The unprecedented article by a US president in an Israeli newspaper was written especially for The Israel Conference on Peace which Haaretz is convening Tuesday in Tel Aviv.