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Source: http://www.pmo.gov.il/English/MediaCenter/Events/Pages/eventPress060716.aspx
Israel Rejects U.S. Criticism of Housing Construction in Jerusalem
(Prime Minister's Office) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded Wednesday to American criticism of construction in Jerusalem, saying, "We are familiar with the American position. It is not new. It is also not acceptable to us. With all due respect, it is neither the construction in Jerusalem nor that in Ma'ale Adumim that make peace more remote. What prevents peace, first of all, is the constant incitement against the existence of the State of Israel within any borders, and the time has come for all the nations of the world to recognize this simple truth. There is also a second truth: The way to resolve conflicts is by direct negotiations." "We are ready at all times to hold direct negotiations without preconditions with our neighbors; however, they are not prepared to hold them with us. These are the two things that are preventing peace, not a few apartments near the city of Ma'ale Adumim, or several neighborhoods in Jerusalem."