Netanyahu expresses regret for timing of settlement announcement
11 March 2010
According to a statement issued by his office, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed "regret" to US Vice President Joseph Biden “for the unfortunate timing” of an announcement by the Interior Ministry of plans to build 1,600 new housing units in Ramat Shlomo, an outskirt of Jerusalem.
Netanyahu said that "in light of the ongoing disagreement between Israel and the US on building in Jerusalem," there had been no need to advance the planning process this week. The announcement on Tuesday sparked an international furor and enraged the Palestinians, who have called off plans for indirect peace talks with Israel until the decision to build the houses is revoked.
Netanyahu said he had been unaware of the announcement by the Interior Ministry, and his office said he had summoned Interior Minister Eli Yishai of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party to express his "displeasure" at the timing of the announcement. Netanyahu also told Biden that the "final approval process will in all likelihood take more than a year and the beginning of actual construction would likely take several years.”
On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas informed the Arab League that his administration would only enter into talks with Israel if the plan is shelved.
Meanwhile, a government minister of the Labor Party, which is led by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, also attacked the Interior Ministry’s announcement. Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon said that Vice President Biden’s anger was “justified”, and social services Minister Isaac Herzog leveled criticism at the timing of the announcement: "This is a serious mishap and the prime minister must make sure it does not happen again, especially during such an important visit."
In an address Thursday at Tel Aviv University, Joseph Biden said the bond between Israel and the United States was "impervious to any shifts in either country and in either country's partisan politics,” but added that the decision by Israel to build 1,600 new houses had “undermined the trust required for negotiations" and under instructions from President Obama he had “condemned it immediately and unequivocally."
Biden accepted Netanyahu's explanation that he too was caught unawares by the announcement and praised the Israeli prime minister for offering to set up a mechanism to prevent future such surprises. The US vice president said this would have consequences. "The United States will continue to hold both sides accountable for any statements or any actions that inflame tensions and influence these talks," he said in his speech.
» Biden laments “international attempt to isolate Israel”
» Netanyahu expresses regret for timing of settlement announcement 
Comments
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Now use this mistake as a bargaining tool - restate that plans will not go ahead. Even give U.S. credit for some influence on decision. Will look better in the eyes of the world that you are willing to bargain for peace.
We continue to need other countries support for a two state agreement, equitable plans for Jerusalem involving all faiths, and possibility of controlling Iran's nuclear capability.
Let Israel be seen as a peacemaker and maybe God will be on our side.
Unfortunately, the Annoucement to Build came at inapproprate time, however, the building in Jerusalem Must continue without delay.
The Land is G-d Given and our People have a Need. We Must keep the Promise, as Elohim has kept HIS.
The Palestinians unfortunately will never be please or happy with us.
Frankly, Art Leal
the palestinians never let an opportunity to be disagreeable go bye
I thought the 6 month freeze did not include Jerusalem. Why are we appologizes for this? Jerusalem is the capitol of Israel and is non-negotiable, united forever. We must continue to make a stand on this without aprehension and intimidation, and stop acting like Jerusalem is on the table or this government will be out very very soon. What is going on with this Israeli government?????
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his "regret" to US Vice President Joseph Biden “for the unfortunate timing” of an announcement by the Interior Ministry of plans to build 1,600 new houses in east Jerusalem.
Annette Smith, about 1 year ago
Just as we don't always agree with what a particular administration in our own government does, we don't have to always agree with what a particular Israeli government says or does. But we are still Americans supporting America, and we still support Israel. I have alot of disagreement with the ultra orthodox right wing world view AND with the extreme left as well. We will never have peace if we don't find some middle ground.