Following a meeting in London on Monday with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell, Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke of progress as the two officials met for the second time in as many weeks, seeking to bridge the gap existing between Jerusalem and Washington regarding construction in Yehuda, Shomron and other areas viewed as “occupied” by the United States, as well as to discuss regional diplomatic efforts between Israel and her Arab neighbors.

It is evident that Barak has been attempting to lower the flame on tensions and reports of American tenacity in the face of Israeli desires to continue settlement construction to accommodate the natural growth in Yosh communities. The White House appears unrelenting in its pressure to choke the yishuvim, leaving thousands of newlyweds a year without any reasonable housing solutions. This is especially prominent in yishuvim as well as the chareidi communities over the so-called Green Line, including Modi’in Illit and Betar Illit.

It appears now however that Israel will resume removing Yosh communities classified as “unauthorized outposts” in compliance with White House demands.

Mitchell is expected to arrive in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu towards the end of the week.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)