Obama at UN: Israel should extend settlement freeze

[azurnoir]

United States President Barack Obama called on Israel to extend its moratorium on settlement building while speaking at a United Nations meeting on Thursday.

<snip>

He called on Arab states to support the Palestinians within the framework of the peace talks and move toward normalizing relations with Israel.

"Many in this hall count themselves as friends of the Palestinians," Obama said. "But these pledges must now be supported by deeds."

"We can waste more time by carrying forward an argument that will not help a single Israeli or Palestinian child achieve a better life. We can do that," he said.

"Or, we can say that this time will be different - that this time we will not let terror, or turbulence, or posturing, or petty politics stand in the way."

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/obama-at-un-israel-should-extend-settlement-freeze-1.315315

[stray cat]

1. if both sides are actually serious about obtaining an agreement

[jenmito]

2. K&R. I'm glad he said that. Israel NEEDS to extend the freeze permanently. n/t

[Ignis]

3. K&R. Strongly agree! But the US needs to throw a little weight around.

The current hard-liners in charge of Israel's government are unlikely to do this without serious pressure from the US.