Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement that he will not seek an extension of a settlement construction freeze, but may limit new building, sets the tone for the second round of renewed Mideast peace talks which get underway in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt today. Deadline for settlement construction freeze expires later today. Palestinian negotiators have made clear new construction in the Israeli-occupied West Bank would be a deal-breaker. President Obama has urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue the settlement freeze.Mr. Netanyahu is, however, under intense pressure from conservatives within his government to end the freeze.Egypt, which is hosting the meeting, has been trying to reconcile the two factions, with little success. The United States has invested heavily in having the talks go forward Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be in Sharm el-Sheikh today and in Jerusalem on the next day She and other officials have said the chance to find a peaceful solution is running out.
News On AIR | September 14, 2010 9:40 AM
Netanyahu's announcement sets tone for 2nd round of Mideast peace talks