WASHINTON (AP) — One of President Obama’s chief advisers on Sunday said the White House is urging the Palestinians and Israelis to keep talking despite the impending end of a freeze on Israeli settlement construction.
Senior Adviser David Axelrod told ABC’s “This Week” that there’s a “rare” and “unparalleled opportunity” for the two sides to reach an agreement. Mr. Axelrod said the parties must remain at the negotiating table.
He said “they’re having serious discussions, they ought to keep on having those discussions, and we are very eager to see that happen.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a curb on new settlement construction in the West Bank won’t be extended.
The Palestinians have threatened to walk out of the talks if Mr. Netanyahu doesn’t extend the moratorium that expires at midnight Sunday.
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