BROKEN NEWS: PALARABS THREATEN, ISRAELI P.M. CAVES
Palestinians threaten to call off peace talks
JERUSALEM – The Palestinians are threatening to pull out of U.S.-mediated peace talks with Israel before the negotiations even start.
The two sides agreed this week to resume indirect talks through a U.S. mediator.
But the Palestinians say Israel’s plan to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem makes it difficult to return to the negotiating table.
Israel announced the construction plan earlier this week, marring a visit by Vice President Joe Biden and drawing harsh criticism from Washington.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says the Palestinians have asked Washington to press Israel to scrap the settlement plan. He says the Palestinians are waiting for an answer before deciding whether to resume negotiations.
Biden is to deliver a speech in Tel Aviv later Thursday.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister has reprimanded a top official over the announcement of new settlement construction during a high-profile visit by Vice President Joe Biden.
But Benjamin Netanyahu is giving no indication that he will reverse the order.
Earlier this week, Israel’s Interior Ministry announced plans to build 1,600 new homes in disputed east Jerusalem. The announcement marred Biden’s visit and drew a sharp condemnation from the vice president.
The prime minister’s office said in a statement Thursday that Netanyahu summoned Interior Minister Eli Yishai a day earlier and expressed his displeasure over the timing of the announcement. The statement says Netanyahu also apologized to Biden for the poor timing.
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