United States calls on Israel to halt settlement construction – Haaretz | Top Russian news and analysis online | ‘RIA Novosti’ newswire: “The United States called on Israel to halt settlement construction in East Jerusalem, which has become the main obstacle to reviving peace talks between Israel and Palestine authorities, Haaretz newspaper said Monday.
Palestinian authorities recently agreed to hold indirect talks with Israel mediated by the United States after a 15-month break. At the same time the Israeli government announced plans to build 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem, which has prompted strains in U.S.-Israeli relations.”