The State Department meanwhile has lifted a ban on commercial flights to Israel imposed after a rocket landed near the Tel Aviv airport earlier this week. The Federal Aviation Administration had said the move was carried out to protect passengers’ safety, but Israel denounced the decision, accusing the Obama administration of rewarding Hamas. In an appearance with former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the flight ban.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “We protect this airport. There’s no reason whatsoever for the mistaken FAA decision to instruct American planes not to come here. I think you’re proving it by coming here. Where I stand, the prime minister of Israel, where you stand, anybody can stand. I think this decision only rewards the Hamas terrorists for nothing. You can fly in and out of Israel, and I hope that the FAA rescinds this decision as soon as possible.”