Two U.S. senators are pleading with the White House to turn down the volume in its zeal to criticize Israel over its announcement that it's building more settlements in East Jerusalem.

Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) believe the public family spat between the two nations is over and it's time to move forward. They are both concerned about long-term repercussions of a protracted diplomatic fight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized for the timing of the announcement - during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden.