Protesters: U.S. ‘not good friend’

ANGRY PROTESTERS crowded a United Nations plaza Wednesday to rip the Obama administration for its recent moves on Israeli construction of settlements in disputed territory. “We have not been a good friend to Israel over the last eight years, and it is time that we stop kicking them in the teeth at every opportunity,” Kevin McCullough, a syndicated writer and talk show host, said at the rally. The U.S. abstained from a vote Friday on a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying the housing blocks the road to peace with Palestinians.

Secretary of State Kerry, in speech Wednesday in Washington, defended the refusal to veto a UN resolution criticizing Israel and called the building of settlements on disputed land a danger to Mideast peace. Kerry’s words drew blowback from Israeli...