Knoller: Contradictory To Say Israel Can Defend Itself While Calling for Restraint?

Knoller to Earnest: Is It Not Contradictory To Say Israel Can Defend Itself While Calling For Restraint? (RealClearPolitics)

MARK KNOLLER, CBS NEWS: On the Middle East, is it not something of a contradictory statement to defend Israel's right to defend itself, and at the same time call for restraint?

JOSH EARNEST, WH: No, it's not a contradiction, its a reflection of how complicated the situation is. But this is a situation that we've been dealing with for some time, and frankly, that a couple generations of U.S. leaders have been dealing with. These are complicated times, and there is no doubt that the United States stands with Israel as they confront these threats, but at the same time, we also have a concern for well-being of innocent civilians on both sides. That's why we believe it is in the interest of both sides to seek a ceasefire that would deescalate the conflict, and take so many innocent civilians out of harm's way.

KNOLLER: Is there a point where the U.S. might deem the Israeli self-defense has gone too far?

EARNEST: Well I'm not going to speculate about future activities on the part of the United States or Israel.