WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — Veteran White House reporter Helen Thomas on Monday announced she will retire after her controversial anti-Israel remarks caused an outrage around the world.

Thomas, who is 89-years-old and has covered every president of the United States since the later years of the Eisenhower administration, made controversial videotaped comments about Israel and the Palestinians. The video was widely disseminated on the Internet, causing even elected officials to call for her resignation.

The reporter, known for her critical questions, said that Israelis should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to “Poland, Germany… America and everywhere else.”

After the outrage, Thomas released a brief written apology on her official website. “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Thomas said. “They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that pace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.”

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Thomas’ comments were “offensive and reprehensible.”

Thomas covered the White House for United Press International for 57 years until 2000, when she joined Hearst Newspapers as a columnist.

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