U.S. may propose immediate talks on West Bank borders

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Last update - 04:02 07/06/2009

U.S. may propose immediate talks on West Bank borders

By Barak Ravid and Assaf Uni, Haaretz Correspondents

Senior U.S. officials, including special Mideast envoy George Mitchell, say they might propose immediate talks on setting the West Bank's borders, in view of Israel's opposition to a freeze on settlement construction. Such a move would determine which settlements will remain in Israel in a final deal establishing a Palestinian state.

The American proposal was raised in recent weeks following Israeli suggestions that there is no reason to cease construction in the large settlement blocs. Such construction would accommodate natural growth. The Israelis say that since those blocs will remain in Israel under a final-status agreement, there is no point in preventing construction.

The Israeli position was mainly directed at the blocs of Gush Etzion, Alfei Menashe, Ariel, Ma'aleh Adumim and certain areas adjoining Jerusalem. The American officials countered by suggesting that they initiate immediate negotiations on the border between Israel and a future Palestinian state. This, the Americans insisted, would make it easier for everyone to decide where settlement construction could take place.

Israeli sources told Haaretz that they are not entirely sure what the American proposals mean. "We do not know what precisely they intend," said a senior official who took part in some of the meetings.

Another official said that "this is essentially a threat and a verbal form of leverage" that is meant to clarify to Israel the American insistence to find a resolution to the issue of settlement construction as soon as possible.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1090917.html