PM's spokesman: No limits in Jerusalem
In response to US demand for clarifications, Nir Hefetz says 'Jews and Arabs can buy and sell private assets across the city'
Nir Hefetz, head of the National Information Directorate at the Prime Minister's Office, implied Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had no plans to compromise on the east Jerusalem construction issue.
Hefetz addressed the American demand for clarifications on the approval of 20 housing units in the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, saying that the decision was made several months ago and had nothing to do with Netanyahu's visit to Washington.
"There are no limits on the property rights in Jerusalem. Jews and Arabs can buy and sell private assets across the city, and that is what is happening. In the discussed case, the decision was made several months ago and in 2009. The reports that a new decision was made shortly before the prime minister's visit to Washington are false," Hefetz said.
Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak met Wednesday afternoon with their senior advisors at the Israeli Embassy in Washington in order to discuss the dispute with the United States. Government ministers in Israel were also contacted on the matter.
Netanyahu's associates say the Jerusalem issue is marginal, but the Israeli entourage in Washington refused to elaborate on the issues the sides are focusing on.
In the evening hours, two of the prime minister's aides – Attorney Yitzhak Molcho and political advisor Ron Dermer – left the embassy and headed to the White House for a meeting with American officials in charge of the Palestinian issue.
Peace Now Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer responded to the US demand for clarifications from Netanyahu, saying that the prime minister must choose between building in the settlements and peace.
"Netanyahu must choose between (US President Barack) Obama and (land owner Irving) Moskowitz, between the settlements and peace. The time has come for the prime minister to tell the Israeli public who he is and who is real ally is – the biggest donor to the settlements in east Jerusalem or the president of the United States," said Oppenheimer.
Ronen Medzini contributed to this report
