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While Israel has indicated no intent to renew the construction ban Prime Minister Netanyahu called on his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, to continue with the peace talks in hope of making history and securing peace. However, with the ban over Mr. Abbas apparently feels there will be little point in continuing the peace talks as more land being taken away from Palestinians will surely result in fighting and bloodshed.

Conversely, Israel feels that settlement construction on the disputed West Bank territory will not hinder peace talks, but many disagree. An apt example would be President Obama’s urgings for the ban to continue, claiming it had “made a difference on the ground, and improved the atmosphere.” Under international law the construction of Israeli settlements on the West Bank is considered illegal, yet Israel disputes this and continues construction nevertheless.