PM to Kerry: No easing West Bank restrictions until calm

Benjamin Netanyahu told John Kerry that no steps would be taken to improve the security and economic situation for Palestinians in the West Bank until calm is fully restored, a senior Israeli official familiar with the talks says.

Netanyahu says there is no settlement freeze and there won’t be one, the official says. If the international community wants Israel to okay building plans for Palestinians it should recognize Israel’s construction in the settlement blocs, he told Kerry.

During their meeting, Netanyahu also told Kerry that the core of the problem is “religious incitement” by the PA on social media, especially surrounding the Temple Mount.

“The PA participates in the incitement,” Netanyahu is said to have told Kerry.

— Raphael Ahren