Israel’s Netanyahu reprimands minister over poor handling of settlement flap

Israel PM reprimands minister over settlement flap

JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister has reprimanded a top official over the announcement of new settlement construction during a high-profile visit by Vice President Joe Biden.

But Benjamin Netanyahu is giving no indication that he will reverse the order.

Earlier this week, Israel’s Interior Ministry announced plans to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem. The announcement marred Biden’s visit and drew a sharp condemnation from the vice president.

The prime minister’s office said in a statement Thursday that Netanyahu summoned Interior Minister Eli Yishai a day earlier and expressed his displeasure over the timing of the announcement. The statement says Netanyahu also apologized to Biden for the poor timing.