The Israeli government has imposed a de facto freeze on new Jewish construction in Jerusalem’s disputed eastern sector, municipal officials said Monday. The decision was made despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public insistence that building would not be stopped in the face of U.S. pressure. Read the full story

Israeli officials would not reveal on Wednesday whether the government would respond positively to a US demand for a four-month halt to construction in east Jerusalem, in exchange for the Palestinians agreeing to direct talks with Israel during this period. Read the full story

The UN chief says “all” Israeli settlement building in East Jerusalem al-Quds is illegal, as Washington and Tel Aviv apparent row over plans to build more units. Read the full story

Israeli settlement building anywhere on occupied land is illegal and must be stopped, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said Saturday, after getting a closer look at some of the Israeli enclaves scattered across Palestinian-claimed territories. Read the full story

Israel announced the construction of 1,600 homes in east Jerusalem yesterday, drawing criticism from Joe Biden, the US Vice-President, who is in the country trying to kick-start the peace process. Read the full story