Trump Administration Has No Official Position on Israeli Settlements

In a shift from previous support, Donald Trump reportedly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay new settlement construction.

Washington,06 Jumadil Awwal 1438/03 February 2017 (MINA) – The new administration of President Donald Trump has not yet taken an official position on settlement activity in the West Bank and is looking to continue discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before one is made.

“While we don’t believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal,” said White House Spokesperson Sean Spicer in a statement Thursday.

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He added, “As the President has expressed many times, he hopes to achieve peace throughout the Middle East region.”

In a shift from previous support, US President Donald Trump reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay new settlement construction.

The White House said the president has not taken an official stand on settlements but said he would discuss it further with Netanyahu during their 15 February meeting.

Netanyahu is expected to visit with Trump later this month. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)