Netanyahu: Jerusalem not included in debate over settlement activity

Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed surprise at the US request for an end to construction works in Sheikh Jarrah suburb in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Netanyahu told a closed consultative council session for his cabinet that he explained to US president Barack Obama during a recent meeting in Washington that Israel considers Jerusalem as not included in the debate over settlement activity.

 

He said that Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem could buy apartments in any place in the holy city.

 

For her part, American secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the American administration was seeking an agreement with Israel over the settlement construction and expansion issue.