Netanyahu, Clinton speak (Archive)
Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO
Washington Post: Israel, US agree on 'don't ask don't tell' policy
Israel to refrain from announcing Jerusalem construction decisions in future, Washington Post reports; Clinton, Netanyahu speak Thursday, prime minister proposes trust-building measures to be undertaken by Israel, Palestinians
Israel is expected to refrain from publically announcing construction decisions in Jerusalem, in the framework of a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the Washington Post reported Thursday.
In the framework of efforts to lower the recent tensions between the two countries, Clinton and Netanyahu spoke on the phone Thursday evening. The Prime Minister's Office said that Netanyahu clarified Israel's construction policy in Jerusalem and proposed trust-building measures in the West Bank to be adopted by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were expected to reach an understanding on the issue, but it's unclear whether President Barack Obama will approve it, the Post's Jackson Diehl wrote.
Diplomatic Crisis
Yitzhak Benhorin and AP
Secretary of state avoids criticism of Israel while speaking in Moscow, calls for resumption of talks between Palestinians, Israelis; meanwhile, Obama Administration mulling introduction of American peace initiative
Officials at the PM's Office stressed that Netanyahu's remarks in the conversation were endorsed by the forum of top seven cabinet ministers, who convened Wednesday to discuss the crisis with the US.
Meanwhile, Clinton told the PM that Special Envoy George Mitchell will arrive in Israel Sunday for a series of planned meeting. A US official said that Netanyahu and Clinton plan a face-to-face meeting next week.
On another front, President Obama announced Thursday the cancellation of his planned trip to Indonesia next week, paving the way for a meeting with Netanyahu, who will be in Washington to take part in the annual AIPAC Conference.
US Administration officials estimated that despite the major disagreements between the sides, the president will invite Netanyahu for a meeting, but such meeting had not yet been officially confirmed by the White House.
Yitzhak Benhorin and AP contributed to the story
