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Israel to US: We Won't Halt Housing in Jerusalem

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2009 4:56 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Amid intense US-Israeli negotiations over settlements, Israel today brushed off Washington’s request to stop an American millionaire's housing project in East Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Post reports. Palestinians have complained that it would change demographics in the Arab-dominated area. But Obama "had crossed a red line" in asking Israel to cease building in Jerusalem, said sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Florida bingo mogul Irwin Moskowitz plans to tear down a historic hotel for the housing project, the AP reports. But the international community does not recognize Israel’s annexation of the area, and the dispute threatens to further damage US-Israeli talks on Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories. "The negotiations are intense," said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "They are ongoing,"

Palestinians walk next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem, where the housing project is planned.
Palestinians walk next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem, where the housing project is planned.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
Israel has rejected a US demand to suspend a housing project in East Jerusalem, threatening to further complicate an unusually tense standoff with its strongest ally over settlement construction.
Israel has rejected a US demand to suspend a housing project in East Jerusalem, threatening to further complicate an unusually tense standoff with its strongest ally over settlement construction.   (AP Photo/David Silverman, Pool)
A Palestinian woman walks next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem, Sunday, July 19. 2009.
A Palestinian woman walks next to the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem, Sunday, July 19. 2009.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 7, 2009 4:21 AM CDT
I totally agree but it's not going to happen : (.
NotEvsie
Jul 21, 2009 10:46 AM CDT
To disagree with some of the policies currently being played out in Israel is not anti-Semitic, nor is it anti-Israeli. They get a LOT of support from the west, both militarily and financially, asking them to behave in a manner that does not incite yet more tension and hatred in an already troubled part of the world in return for that support is sensible. Sadly there is not now, nor is there likely to be, any significant cost to them doing exactly what they want. My 5 year old knows that if her behaviour is bad, she doesn't get pocket money for her piggy bank, or nice treats. Perhaps Israel needs to learn the same lesson: If they continue to act irresponsibly, they no longer get their money, or their toys (planes, warships, etc)
lindamae
Jul 21, 2009 7:14 AM CDT
Obama bowed. The Italian TV caught it even though our press tried to hide it. Bush met the Saudis several times but always as an equal. Obama bowed to a higher power. That embarrasses me as an American. Leaders of the world are equals. You can't argue this point.

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Israel • Jerusalem • Benjamin Netanyahu • Israel and Palestinians • Palestinians • millionaires • Arab Israeli conflict • East Jerusalem • housing projects

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