Striking a defiant note in US, Netanyahu tells Jewish activists Jerusalem ‘not a settlement’
By APMonday, March 22, 2010
Netanyahu says Jerusalem ‘not a settlement’
WASHINGTON — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has the right to build in Jerusalem, saying the city is “not a settlement.”
Speaking to pro-Israel activists, Netanyahu said Monday night that Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem will remain part of Israel in any peace deal, so building there does not compromise an agreement.
Israel recently announced new housing plans for east Jerusalem, drawing sharp criticism from the Obama administration. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reiterated that criticism in her own speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee earlier Monday.
Both Israel and the U.S. indicate the spat is behind them and want to launch Israeli-Palestinian peace talks quickly.
