White House denies holding ‘formal’ settlement talks with Israel

The White House is not holding “formal negotiations” with Israel over the settlement issue — contrary to widespread reporting in US and Israeli media — an administration official tells The Times of Israel.

“I would dissuade you from the notion that there is some set of formal negotiations regarding settlements,” the official says. “We continuously discuss a range of issues, including how to improve the overall climate.”

That denial of specific talks on settlements comes after Israel Radio reported that US efforts to limit Israel’s settlement activity — led by Trump’s Special Envoy for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt — were suspended after the two parties failed to reach an agreement.

“These reports are inaccurate,” the official insists.

— Eric Cortellessa