The newspaper, which publishes a broadsheet in London, Beirut and Doha, also alleged torture within Palestinian jails. It branded the closure as politically motivated.

According to Consul-General of Israel in New York Ido Aharoni, under Obama and Netanyahu, the bond between Israel and the United States has never been stronger.

“The goal is to make a strong statement that New York stands with Israel and any effort to undermine the legitimacy of our strongest ally in the region will not be successful,” said Gianaris.

The first shooting took place near the Cave of the Patriarchs site, where two civilians were wounded.

Erdogan’s unwillingness to accept a legitimate, democratic election result is another sign that he is tightening his grip on power.

"The boycott which Amos Oz has declared on the Foreign Ministry provides a boost to the boycotts which Oz claims to oppose," the former ambassador to the US said.

During his visit to Israel last December, Carter said he gained the impression that Israelis had felt betrayed by the US.

Preparing to host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week, the president's aides also cast doubt on the prospect of direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leadership.