Netanyahu: Settlements no obstacle to peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday claimed that Jewish settlements built on occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank did not constitute “obstacles” to an eventual peace settlement with the Palestinians.

“I am sure that many of you have heard the claim that the Jewish communities in the West Bank are obstacles to peace,” Netanyahu declared in a video statement.

He went on to say that the Palestinian Authority sought a Palestinian state on the condition that it was “a state without Jews”.

“There is a phrase for this,” Netanyahu said.

“It’s called ethnic cleaning.”

PA officials have yet to comment on the Israeli prime minister’s assertions.