Israel’s security cabinet puts east Jerusalem expansion on hold
The potentially explosive plan to annex a large West Bank Jewish settlement near Jerusalem unilaterally has been shelved until Netanyahu and Trump meet face to face
Jerusalem — Israel approved hundreds of new homes in east Jerusalem Sunday, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to speak to US President Donald Trump for the first time since his inauguration. But a potentially explosive plan to annex a large West Bank Jewish settlement near Jerusalem unilaterally was shelved until after Netanyahu and Trump meet face to face. "This evening there will be a telephone conversation between President Trump and myself," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "There are many issues between us, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the situation in Syria and the Iranian threat." The White House confirmed that such a call was scheduled, but did not give further details. Trump has pledged strong support for Israel and vowed during his campaign to recognise Jerusalem as the country’s capital despite the city’s contested status. Israeli right-wing politicians have welcomed his election, with hardliners who oppose a Palestinian state hopin...
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