Israel's Cabinet approves 10-month West Bank settlement freeze

Latest Update: 11.25.09, Ynetnews.com excerpt

Prior to the vote Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said a settlement construction freeze "allows us to present the world with a simple truth: the Israeli government wants to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, is taking practical steps in order to do so, and is very serious in its intentions of promoting peace."

Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer (Labor) said after the vote, "It’s an important and historic decision, one of the most important decisions this government has made. The decision would leave the Palestinians with only one choice – join the political negotiations. They have no reason to stall anymore."

Netanyahu earlier floated the idea of suspending construction in existing settlements. Wednesday's offer was the first time he has given a firm timeline for how long he is willing to stop the building.

Netanyahu stressed that the settlement freeze would not be implemented in east Jerusalem. "We do not put any restrictions on building in our sovereign capital," the prime minister said.