WASHINGTON — President Obama yesterday told Israel’s defense minister that Jerusalem must stop allowing West Bank settlements to grow, reiterating his stance in the hours before leaving for the Middle East on a trip to improve relations with Muslims.
Obama and Ehud Barak each left the White House in disagreement over Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory that have become a symbol of defiance against Palestinians who want their own state.
Barak asked Obama to consider Israel’s domestic politics and the popularity of such outposts, said an Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.