Netanyahu Says Israel to Stick to Construction Freeze

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli government is sticking to its decision to end a construction freeze in the West Bank next month, though Palestinians have demanded an extension.

Netanyahu told ministers from his Likud party today that direct talks with the Palestinians, which begin later this week, were starting with no conditions, said an Israeli official who was present at the meeting and spoke anonymously as he was not authorized to speak to the press on the matter. Netanyahu also said there was no change in the Cabinet decision to resume building in settlements on Sept. 26, the official said.