This year, the property prices are likely to see a jump of up to 15%
uae2 hours ago
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled the US inducements to his cabinet last weekend and appeared hopeful the ministers would back plans for a temporary halt to building in the occupied West Bank to overcome a hurdle to the peace talks.
However, an Israeli official said on Friday the United States had not yet provided the guarantees that Israel wanted, with Washington reluctant to commit to paper all the promises Netanyahu says he was offered verbally last week.
The latest snag concerned a pledge that Israel says US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made to provide the country free of charge 20 F-35 stealth warplanes worth $3 billion.
Politicians said Washington was backtracking and now wanted some sort of payment for the coveted fighter aircraft.
“It looks like the free stealth fighters have slipped,” said Benny Begin, a minister from Netanyahu’s Likud party who is opposed to the proposed US deal, warning that Washington was setting a trap to extract major concessions later down the line.
“One may wonder if you cannot agree to understandings from one week to the next, what could happen over three months,” he told the Army Radio on Friday.
The US state department is making no comment about the situation, which if unresolved would be hugely embarrassing for both parties, while Netanyahu has said “intensive” discussions continued to get the necessary “understandings”.
“If I receive such a proposal from the American government, I will bring it before the security cabinet and I have no doubt that my colleagues will accept it,” he said late Thursday.
US President Barack Obama invested substantial political capital in persuading the Palestinians to resume direct talks with Israel in early September, after months of mediation.
But, true to their warnings, the Palestinians halted negotiations when Netanyahu refused to extend a 10-month partial settlement moratorium when it expired at the end of September.
Washington hoped its diplomatic and defence enticements would persuade Israel to renew the freeze for 90 days, opening the way for three months of intense negotiations that would focus on the future border of a Palestinian state.
However, Netanyahu’s coalition allies demanded a written pledge from the United States to make clear the building freeze did not include occupied land in East Jerusalem and to spell out there would be no US pressure for any subsequent moratoria.
The Palestinians themselves have expressed outrage in private over reports of the US offer, saying it was a bribe to get Israel to fulfil basic international obligations.
The Israeli official said there appeared to be a disconnect between the White House and State Department with Obama unhappy that Clinton had offered so much for such a minimal concession.
However, he added that Netanyahu’s office thought a deal could be reached in the coming hours and that the prime minister would get the necessary backing from his cabinet at the weekend.
Political sources say seven ministers are ready to support the plan, while six were firmly opposed, leaving two ministers from the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party holding the balance of power.
Newspapers say they are likely to abstain, but they are facing growing pressure from the pro-settler lobby to vote against and prevent any halt to settlement building.
This year, the property prices are likely to see a jump of up to 15%
uae2 hours ago
Your ultimate guide to driving in the emirate during heavy rains and unstable weather conditions
weather2 hours ago
The authorities also denied rumours about water contamination in the emirate due to the rains
uae2 hours ago
Scientists explore a way that shows promise for increasing crop yields in simulated Martian soil, with different crops grown together
europe2 hours ago
The innovative program provides seamless access to proactive healthcare, offering health risk assessments, check-ups, on-call doctors, a dedicated helpline, and educational support programmes
kt network2 hours ago
Hong Kong last month suspended sales of three spice blends made by India's MDH and an Everest spice mix for fish curry
asia3 hours ago
He was joined by the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah as well as other worshippers
uae3 hours ago
After being battered by the prime minister in the two last general elections, opposition parties are hopeful of a better performance
asia3 hours ago