Israel prime minister says no headway in talks with Washington over east Jerusalem building
By APWednesday, April 7, 2010
Israel PM: No headway with US over east Jerusalem
JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister says his government has not yet worked out its differences with the U.S. over Israeli construction in disputed east Jerusalem.
Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday that negotiations with the U.S. are ongoing.
He says the sides agree on some things and disagree on others but gave no indication they’re close to resolving the standoff.
The U.S. has been pressuring Israel to halt construction in east Jerusalem, the section of the holy city claimed by the Palestinians. Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its eternal capital.
The dispute erupted into a crisis last month when Israel announced plans to build 1,600 new homes for Jews in east Jerusalem during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden.
