- JERUSALEM: Israel is defending new construction in disputed east Jerusalem against criticism from Palestinians, the US and the EU, noting that Israel has never agreed to halt building there.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a harsh statement Tuesday that began, “Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is the capital of the state of Israel.” It continued, “Israel sees no link between the peace process and its development plans in Jerusalem.” This followed denunciations of a plan to build 1,300 new apartments in Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem.
Palestinians claim east Jerusalem for the capital of a future state.
Palestinians say they will not resume peace talks unless Israel halts construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.