In Israel, they fear embarrassment during the expected visit of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to the US.
Israel is working with the Americans to prevent an incident in which the Americans will announce that they do not approve of Smotrich's entry into the US of his statements about the burning of the Palestinian village of Hawara.
Smotrich does hold a visa to the US, but the fear is that following the harsh criticism of him by the Americans in the last week, they will seek to prevent his arrival.
Waiting for the Americans
The government is waiting to hear confirmation from the Americans for the arrival of the Minister of Finance.
The one who is acting on the matter with the Americans is Minister Ron Dermer, who is considered to have good relations with the senior members of the American government.
Even those around Netanyahu are making efforts to lower the flames of American anger at Smotrich, and chose to publish Netanyahu's message in English on the night between Saturday night and Sunday in order to reach American ears and gain prominence in the American media.
The message published by Netanyahu in English reads: "It is important for all of us to act to reduce the height of the flames. This includes speaking out strongly against inappropriate statements, and even correcting our statements when we are wrong or when our words were taken out of context."
He also added that he "wants to thank Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for making it clear that his choice of words regarding Hvara was inappropriate and that he strongly opposes the deliberate harming of innocent civilians."
Smotrich himself clarified on Saturday night his statement from last week "the village of Hvara should be erased" and said on Channel 12 "Whoever is able to attribute to me an intention to erase the village - that is his fevered mind.
"The intention is that we should be more proactive and aggressive in our fight against terrorism, because many people are murdered here. It could be that the words were said in a storm of emotions. I tripped over my tongue."
The details of the visit
Last week, the US State Department also strongly condemned Smotrich's words about the burning of the village, and department spokesman Ned Price said that "this is an irresponsible and repulsive statement, it amounts to incitement and violence."
He even called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to condemn the minister's words.
Smotrich is expected to fly to the USA next Sunday and arrive in Washington for only one day, when he will participate in an economic conference of the Bundes Organization. After that he is expected to hold additional economic meetings. Smotrich is not scheduled to meet with American government officials.
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