Israeli official laments U.S. pressure over settlements

JERUSALEM -- U.S. criticism of Israel's settlement policies has slowed down construction in the West Bank, Israel's defense minister said in comments broadcast Wednesday, adding that he hopes the slowdown will be "temporary" because the Obama administration "won't be around forever."

The minister, Moshe Yaalon, has previously derided U.S. peace efforts in the Middle East, calling Secretary of State John Kerry "obsessive" and "messianic." Those comments rankled Washington officials and stoked tensions with Israel's most important ally.

Speaking Tuesday at a Jewish seminary in the West Bank, Yaalon said Israel wants to build more settlement housing but that global criticism, led by the United States, has prompted restraint.

"The United States has led the charge," Yaalon said. "We are very, very careful not to push the envelope too much... This (U.S.) administration won't be around forever and I hope it is temporary."

The remarks, broadcast on Israeli Army Radio, could lead to further tensions between Israel and Washington - tensions that were clearly on display in October, when the U.S. refused Yaalon's requests to meet several top national security aides during a visit to Washington.

The Obama administration has long had a tense dynamic with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mostly for his close relationship with the Republican Party and for what is sometimes seen as a lecturing tone toward President Barack Obama. Disagreements over Israel's West Bank settlement policies have also often flared tensions.

Anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now says no new settlement building plans have been announced since a meeting between Obama and Netanyahu in October, but that building of previously announced housing continues.