Israel freezes new settlement projects in West Bank

Israel says it will halt construction in the West Bank for 10 months ---- in a bid to restart peace talks. But, Palestinians have rejected the freeze as insufficient, because it does not include East Jerusalem.

About 300 thousand Israelis live in the West Bank.

Israel has been under heavy international pressure to halt its construction in settlements built on captured lands claimed by the Palestinians.

Now, Israel has decided to halt construction for 10 months.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Orime Minister, said, "This is a far reaching and painful step. We authorized it because of our deep desire to move forward towards peace."

Netanyahu said the freeze applies only to new construction. Housing already underway can continue.

But Palestinians have rejected the move, because they say the freeze does not include construction in Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem.

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Realted:

Moments after Israel announced its decision, the Obama administration in Washington welcomed the move.

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