Israeli officials rally behind prime minister in dispute with White House

Israeli leader gets support in White House dispute

JERUSALEM — Members of Israel’s hard-line government are lining up behind embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his dispute with the U.S. over Jewish construction in east Jerusalem.

Two Cabinet ministers, including Israel’s vice prime minister, accused the White House on Thursday of unfairly pressuring the Jewish state.

Netanyahu left Washington early Thursday after a last-ditch effort to heal the rift with the U.S. failed. Washington wants Israel to stop building Jewish homes in east Jerusalem — the section of the city that the Palestinians claim as their future capital. Netanyahu refuses.

Netanyahu’s deputy and rival, Silvan Shalom, told Israel Radio he “completely supports” the prime minister. He also warned that Washington’s “one-sided” pressure on Israel could derail peace efforts.