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Israel Willing to Freeze Settlements

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2009 9:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Israeli government approved the construction of 50 new West Bank homes today, seemingly defying President Obama’s call for a freeze on new settlements. But Defense Minister Ehud Barak plans to offer a temporarily halt on some construction, officials tell the New York Times, if Palestinians agree to negotiate an end to the conflict and other Arab nations take some confidence-building steps.

News of the new settlements comes a few hours before Barak leaves for the US to discuss the issue with George Mitchell. The Israeli officials say he’ll offer to stop new construction for three to six months, but if no progress is made in talks, it will resume. The 50 new homes are part of a plan for a 1,450-home settlement north of Jerusalem.

Palestinian men work at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Tuesday, June 9, 2009.
Palestinian men work at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Tuesday, June 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
A Palestinian worker walks at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Monday, June 22, 2009.
A Palestinian worker walks at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Monday, June 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
Palestinian workers drive bulldozers and build a sidewalk at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Monday, June 22, 2009.
Palestinian workers drive bulldozers and build a sidewalk at a construction site in the West Bank Jewish settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near Jerusalem, Monday, June 22, 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Stuart
Jul 2, 2009 2:51 AM CDT
Oh look snowleapord has come out and supported Crimes Against Humanity as long as they are against Jews and Israel - How unsurprising. Phosphorous is allowed in the context used, and Proportionate is in regards to the threat - missiles fired at cities could kill thousands or tens of thousands with one well placed shot. That they didnt is as much luck as anything. But to condone the firing of rockets into civilian cities is to support War Crimes.
Snowleopard
Jun 30, 2009 4:01 AM CDT
as are the cluster bombs that isreal dropped all over lebanon. if I was having my land stolen I'd be firing rockets too.
Newser001
Jun 29, 2009 8:50 AM CDT
We can agree to disagree; i.e., Just one example, use of phosphorous weapons are inexcusable and illegal according to international statutes, accords with regard to urban populated areas containing civilians.

Netanyahu doesn't intend to stop construction
Washington Post

 
Israel • Middle East • Ehud Barak • West Bank • George Mitchell • Israel and Palestinians • settlements

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