U.S. President Barack Obama surprised Defense Minister Ehud Barak Tuesday and joined a meeting between the Israeli Defense Minister and U.S. National Security Advisor Jim Jones. Obama and Barak reportedly discussed construction in Judea and Samaria, which has been an issue of contention between the two administrations.
The U.S. President has called for Israel to freeze all construction, even that defined as “natural growth.” The Israeli Defense Minister said that the most Israel can do is evacuate 22 out of the 26 outposts in Judea and Samaria the government calls “illegal.”