Freezing Diplomacy in Israel

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Netanyahu vows policy will not change after US demands for concessions

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his cabinet Friday to discuss Israel's response to US pressure on Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, his office said that there would be "no change in Israel's policy".
By News Wires (text)

AFP - Israel vowed policy on Jerusalem would not change as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet on Friday to craft a response to US demands for peace-promoting concessions.

Netanyahu returned Thursday from a tense visit to Washington that appeared to deepen a bitter row with the administration of President Barack Obama over the building of Jewish settlements, including in annexed Arab east Jerusalem.

"The prime minister's position is that there is no change in Israel's policy on Jerusalem that has been pursued by all governments of Israel for the last 42 years," his office said in a statement.

The Americans have reportedly demanded from Netanyahu a series of steps to help kickstart stalled peace talks with the Palestinians.

The hawkish premier was discussing the US demands with his inner forum of seven senior ministers.

Cabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser said it was unlikely there would be quick agreement from the seven and denied media reports of a US deadline to supply answers by Saturday night.

"I suggest you wait patiently," he told public radio. "If there is a necessity for further discussions they will happen...link to complete article