Though it had been reported in some news outlets earlier in the week, Jersualem mayor Nir Barkat took a firm stance against halting Israeli construction in east Jerusalem. Reports had been coming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had put a freeze on Jewish construction in the disputed land. Mayor Barkat, who has been in Washington this week, was quick to deny these reports. He admitted that there had been a slowdown in construction after criticism from the US about the disputed construction, but that construction has resumed at its usual pace. Barkat, who has long-term plans for the growth of his city, had some strong words regarding the US as well. In response to the criticism given by the Obama administration, Barkat said, "Israelis felt slapped in the face. It takes some time for to recover from such an attack from a friend like the U.S. administration."
Submitted by: Mary Naset
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