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U.S. Presses Israel on Renewal of Construction Freeze

(Washington Post) Glenn Kessler - In its scramble to salvage Middle East peace talks, the Obama administration has dangled incentives before the Israeli government if Israel would agree to extend a freeze on settlement growth for 60 days. Palestinian officials have said they will not return to the talks unless some sort of extension is arranged. The offer struck some analysts as an unusual gambit that might leave the impression that Washington wants the talks more than either of the two sides negotiating. The offer was outlined in an article by David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and has the imprimatur of an official leak. Administration sources confirmed Makovsky's account was largely accurate. By some accounts, administration officials are surprised Netanyahu would reject what they see as a generous offer. But Netanyahu may also view such written assurances from Americans with skepticism. When Obama took office, his administration refused to acknowledge written assurances that President George W. Bush had given Israel in 2004.
2010-10-01 09:12:49
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