The Obama administration is pushing to stop Jewish growth in the Samarian city of Ariel. The fight comes under a debate between the two countries on what constitutes the main settlement blocks in Judea and Samaria. These usually include areas around Ma'aleh Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Gush Etzion, Betar Illit and Ariel-Kedumim. The US government had originally demanded a freeze on all Jewish construction but due to Israeli refusal the Obama administration has softened its position.
Nationalist politicians have slammed the unilateral sanctions against Jewish building as racist and notes the US government has not demanded a similar freeze on Arab construction within the greenline. The Obama administration’s hardline position has also been criticized for causing a hardening in position of the PA. During the Olmert administration the PA did not condition talks with Israel on a freeze in Jewish construction in Yesha. But under the Netanyahu administration it has conditioned talks on a freeze. Political observers note that If Netanyahu caves into to American pressure it may destabilize his coalition.
