US, Israel still differ on Jewish settlement

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has met with visiting Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, in Washington. Both sides continue to differ on the issue of Jewish settlements.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (C) and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Avigdor Lieberman  (L) hold a joint press conference at the US State Department in  Washington, DC. Lieberman on Wednesday reiterated the Jewish state's  refusal to freeze settlements, after his first talks with Clinton  exposed gaps on Middle East peace.(AFP/Getty Images/Win Mcnamee)

Clinton re-affirmed that Israel's security is and will remain a cornerstone of US foreign policy. But she also said the US wants Israel to halt settlement activity in the West Bank. Lieberman said Israel is ready to have immediate direct talks with the Palestinians, but insisted on what he calls the natural growth of Jewish settlements.

The settlements are one of major obstacles to the resumption of peace talks and an eventual deal. The Palestinians demand the return of both the West Bank and Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War, as parts of their future state.