The Obama administration is asking Israel for a 90-day moratorium on settlement building after a 10-month break expired in September. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to commit to a renewal. He says he is waiting for written US assurances.

Peace negotiations stalled over a Palestinian demand for a total freeze.

Olmert resigned over corruption charges, leaving office in early 2009. In a rare appearance before foreign correspondents Thursday, he said he wouldn't have agreed to a settlement freeze in the first place, but he would not turn down such a request from Israel's closest ally.