Israel has tried to defuse a row with the United States over comments made by its defence minister about the American Secretary of State John Kerry.
The Israeli defence ministry has offered an apology for any offence caused by the interview with Moshe Yaalon.
Israel defence minister Moshe Yaalon. Photo: AFP
Mr Yaalon's comments were published in a lengthy article in Israel's Yediot Ahronot newspaper, detailing his deep scepticism about Mr Kerry's peace efforts, the BBC reports.
In particular, he strongly criticised American proposals for security arrangements in the Jordan Valley - the eastern border of the occupied West Bank.
Mr Yaalon said a security plan Mr Kerry had presented to Israel was "not worth the paper it was written on".
"John Kerry - who has come to us determined and is acting out of an incomprehensible obsession and messianic fervour - cannot teach me anything about the conflict with the Palestinians," he was quoted as saying.
The US State Department expressed outrage at the remarks, and Israeli officials rushed to limit the damage, including an apology from the defence minister.
His comments may reflect the mindset of other government officials, but Israelis want to protect their relationship with their strongest ally.
The White House said the alleged comments were "inappropriate" given America's support to Israel's security.