UK's Clegg Says Israeli Settlements 'vandalism'

Published January 16, 2012 12:54PM (EST)

LONDON (AP) — Britain's deputy prime minister says Israel is carrying out "deliberate vandalism" by continuing to build settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Hosting a news conference in London Monday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nick Clegg accused Israel of undermining attempts to broker a Middle East peace deal by failing to halt settlement building on land that the Palestinians want for a future state.

"It is an act of deliberate vandalism," Clegg told reporters, escalating the tone of Britain's condemnation of settlement activity.

Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague — also meeting Abbas — have previously criticized Israel over settlement building.

Cameron was also meeting with Britain's Jewish Leadership Council Monday.


By Salon Staff

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