Israel and China have signed a deal to bring Chinese construction workers to Israel, but the workers will reportedly be barred from building in West Bank settlements at China's insistence.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Sunday the deal ensures they will work in areas "agreed upon by both sides that take into consideration their safety and well-being."
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Netanyahu and Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yangdong (Photo: Haim Tzach/GPO)
(צילום: חיים צח, לע"מ)
He would not elaborate but Israeli media reported this as meaning the workers will not be working in territory that the Palestinians claim for a future state.
Many in the international community views Israeli settlements there as illegal and an obstacle to reaching a two-state solution to the conflict.
Israel, for its part, says settlements along with other core issues like security should be resolved in peace talks.