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Israeli settlers reject PM's plea | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Jewish settlers have rejected an attempt by the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to defuse tensions over a pause in building in the West Bank. | |
They vowed to continue a civil disobedience campaign stopping inspectors from entering settlements, now in its third day. | |
Speaking on Israeli radio, settlers described the meeting with PM as "difficult and emotionally charged". | |
The settlers have scheduled a mass demonstration next week in Jerusalem. | |
There has so far been no violence as inspectors tried to enter settlements this week, but four people have been arrested. | |
At the three-hour meeting in Tel Aviv, Mr Netanyahu reportedly told settlers that they would be able to continue building after the 10-month suspension ended, according to Israeli media. | |
He was expected to offer more funding for schools and other services in return for the settlers' support. | |
Restrictions on minor work to existing houses was also reportedly lifted. | Restrictions on minor work to existing houses was also reportedly lifted. |
Tax breaks for settlers were also reported to be among the items Mr Netanyahu was considering. | Tax breaks for settlers were also reported to be among the items Mr Netanyahu was considering. |
The Palestinian Authority has refused to resume peace talks with Israel unless it completely halts all settlement construction on occupied territory including East Jerusalem, where they want to locate the capital of their future state. | The Palestinian Authority has refused to resume peace talks with Israel unless it completely halts all settlement construction on occupied territory including East Jerusalem, where they want to locate the capital of their future state. |
Israel's government declared last week it would restrict residential building in the West Bank for 10 months, but settlers vowed to defy the policy. | |
Palestinians say the restrictions do not go far enough, particularly because they do not include East Jerusalem. | Palestinians say the restrictions do not go far enough, particularly because they do not include East Jerusalem. |