Netanyahu slams White House on settlements criticism

[Jefferson23]

JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back at the White House after Washington criticized Israeli plans to build thousands more settler homes in occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli media reported on Thursday.

Public radio quoted Netanyahu as telling US President Barack Obama in talks in Washington Wednesday to "study the facts and details before making statements" about the settlement plan.

The approval of 2,610 new housing units in East Jerusalem drew condemnation from Washington, with White House spokesman Josh Earnest warning that the move would "distance Israel from even its closest allies."

Netanyahu told Israeli journalists after the meeting that the plans had been in the pipeline for two years.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=731678

[oldandhappy]

1. You have almost totally taken over the West Bank.

There will be a push back Mr. Netanyahu.

[oberliner]

2. He doesn't consider any housing in E Jerusalem to be settlements

He says they are just neighborhoods in Jerusalem. He does this with everyone who calls them settlements (like in an interview with CNN, for instance).

[lsewpershad]

3. "plans in the pipeline two years

SO? These settlements were illegal and criticized since their beginning.

[Scootaloo]

4. I don't think Netanyahu should ask Washington to "study the facts and details"

Given that this particular alliance is based entirely off mythology and obfuscation, it's really the last thing Netanyahu should want.

[MFM008]

5. we need a refund

On this place and all the money the US is pouring into it. Tell BN to shut his face.

[azurnoir]

6. oh dear did we 'second guess' Bibi again?

shame on us