Israel Matzav

Netanyahu's inner cabinet divided over US 'freeze proposal'

This is from a YNet story that discusses the cabinet deliberations on Thursday night over the latest 'settlement freeze' proposal from the US:

According to the emissaries, a possible compromise will allow the completion of some 2,500 housing units which are currently being built. However, the Americans are still insisting on a complete freeze of new construction and building starts, including in the settlement blocs and communities in the Jerusalem vicinity, which Israel believes will remain under its sovereignty after a permanent agreement with the Palestinians is signed. [No mention of Jerusalem itself. Is that now off the table? CiJ].

The six ministers who are part of the narrow forum are at odds over the matter, with Defense Minister Barak – supported by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor – leading to a proclaimed freeze of three to six month, in return for the option to complete construction in housing units whose building has already begun and normalization steps on the part of Arab countries and the Palestinians, including the possibility of renewing ties with Oman and Qatar.

The other three ministers in the forum – Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Minister Benny Begin and Minister for Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon, believe the American demand must be rejected.

I think I have figured out Netanyahu's problem. It has to do with the picture at the top and the video below.

Let's go to the videotape.



Heh.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:57 AM