Israeli FM says his party will block an extension of settlement slowdown, threatening talks

Israeli FM: Settlement slowdown will end

JERUSALEM — Israel’s hard-line foreign minister says his party will block any extension of Israel’s settlement slowdown, which could upend new Mideast peace talks.

Avigdor Lieberman says the Israeli government must keep its word that the 10-month slowdown will end at the end of September. He says his Yisrael Beitenu party will ensure that the coalition government does not pass any extension.

The Palestinians say that if the slowdown is not extended they will quit the fragile talks, which began last week in Washington.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vague about his plans for the end of the slowdown. Many members of his own Likud party oppose an extension.

Netanyahu is set to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas again next week.