Secretary of State John Kerry has apologized for saying Israel could become “an apartheid state” if it does not reach a two-state solution with Palestinians. Kerry made the remarks Friday at a closed-door meeting, a recording of which was obtained by The Daily Beast. Kerry’s remarks sparked condemnation both from supporters of Israel and from Palestinians, who say Israel already is an apartheid state. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called for Kerry to resign over the comments.

Sen. Ted Cruz: “Mr. President, sadly, it is my belief that Secretary Kerry has proven himself unsuitable for the position he holds, and therefore, before any further harm is done to our national security interests and to our critical alliance with the nation of Israel, that John Kerry should offer President Obama his resignation and the president should accept it.”

In a statement Monday, Kerry said “apartheid” is “a word best left out of the debate here at home.”