Israeli media: US demanding cancellation of contentious east Jerusalem building plan
By APMonday, March 15, 2010
Reports: US wants Israel to cancel building plan
JERUSALEM — Israeli media say the U.S. is pressing Israel to scrap a contentious east Jerusalem building project.
The plan to build 1,600 apartments was approved during Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to the region last week.
The move caused a storm in Washington because it complicates its efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
U.S. officials have not disclosed what steps they want Israel to take. But Israeli newspapers and radio stations said Monday that Washington wants the construction project canceled.
Palestinians object to Israeli construction in east Jerusalem because they want that sector of the city for their capital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu objects to partitioning Jerusalem and wants to keep the city united under Israeli control.
