Israeli PM orders rethink on settlement construction plans

BBC ^ | 13 November 2013 Last updated at 07:15 ET | BBC

[haffast]

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his housing minister to reconsider construction plans for more than 20,000 homes in the West Bank.

He said the plans, announced by Housing Minister Uri Ariel earlier on Tuesday, would create unnecessary friction with the international community.

The US had earlier said it was "deeply concerned" over the Israeli plans.

The Palestinians had said they would appeal to the UN, warning that Israel's move would kill off peace talks.

In a statement, Mr Netanyahu said he had asked Housing Minister Uri Ariel "to reconsider" plans for potential construction of new homes for Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

The prime minister added that such a move would make no contribution to Jewish settlements and "creates an unnecessary confrontation with the international community at a time when we are making an effort to persuade elements in the international community to reach a better deal with Iran".

Mr Netanyahu was referring to recent talks in Geneva on Tehran's controversial programme that ended without a deal.

The statement added that Mr Ariel had accepted the prime minister's request.

snip

[haffast]

As the posturing continues.

[montag813]

More weakness from Bibi

[AU72]

Wake me up when the Palis offer a concession.

[Berlin_Freeper]

This is what happens when your last hope is France.

[Nachum]

This was predictable. The announcement was a reaction to Kerry’s intifada comments.— Which, by the way, cost a young man his life yesterday as he was stabbed to death while sleeping on a bus by a pali-gangster.

[TruthInThoughtWordAndDeed]

I agree with you on Netanyahu being weak. I expected more from him. He should be showing strength, not diplomacy.

And, concerning the housing, I agree that it should be rethought. 20000 new units is not nearly enough.

[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume

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[SunkenCiv]

Thanks haffast.

has ordered his housing minister to reconsider construction plans for more than 20,000 homes in the West Bank... added that such a move would make no contribution to Jewish settlements and "creates an unnecessary confrontation with the international community at a time when we are making an effort to persuade elements in the international community to reach a better deal with Iran".

After Kerry and the Kenyan get done selling everyone in the Middle East except Iran down the river and Israel destroys the Iranian nuke facilities, Bibi will give the go-ahead for more construction and through private channels tell Obama to kiss his ass.