JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel will continue to build homes in existing West Bank settlements, defying U.S. calls to halt settlement growth.
The comments came days after a contentious visit to the White House and threatened to widen a growing rift with the Obama administration. The U.S. considers the settlements — home to some 280,000 Israelis — obstacles to peace since they are built on captured territory the Palestinians claim for a future state.
Netanyahu said he would not allow any new settlements to be created, but said existing settlements must be allowed to expand for "natural growth,” the term Israel uses for population growth in the settlements.
Netanyahu has voiced this policy before, but his affirmation of his plans took on added significance coming so close after his tense first White House visit with President Barack Obama. U.S. policy on Israeli settlements does not allow for natural growth.
Israeli officials have sought to play down their differences with Washington, saying that groups will continue discussions on the matter.
Netanyahu spoke after a heated Cabinet debate over what to do with settlement outposts and wildcat communities established by settlers.
Israel has sanctioned the construction of 121 settlements over the years. In addition, settlers have put up an estimated 100 outposts since the early 1990s.
by the associated press
The comments came days after a contentious visit to the White House and threatened to widen a growing rift with the Obama administration. The U.S. considers the settlements — home to some 280,000 Israelis — obstacles to peace since they are built on captured territory the Palestinians claim for a future state.
Netanyahu said he would not allow any new settlements to be created, but said existing settlements must be allowed to expand for "natural growth,” the term Israel uses for population growth in the settlements.
Netanyahu has voiced this policy before, but his affirmation of his plans took on added significance coming so close after his tense first White House visit with President Barack Obama. U.S. policy on Israeli settlements does not allow for natural growth.
Israeli officials have sought to play down their differences with Washington, saying that groups will continue discussions on the matter.
Netanyahu spoke after a heated Cabinet debate over what to do with settlement outposts and wildcat communities established by settlers.
Israel has sanctioned the construction of 121 settlements over the years. In addition, settlers have put up an estimated 100 outposts since the early 1990s.
by the associated press
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