In what could actually be a one of a kind example of an American government holding firm on settlements, Sec. Clinton unleashed a barrage towards Israel's supposed "compromise" offer of allowing just "natural growth"
Hillary Clinton says NO MORE SETTLEMENTS
To be honest, I expected the government to at least consider Netanyahu's compromise but to dismiss it so forcefully speaks volumes to those who want Peace in the middle east
"He wants to see a stop to settlements - not some settlements, not outposts, not 'natural growth' exceptions," Clinton said, referring in the last case to population growth on existing Israeli settlements in the West Bank from births and from allowances for adult offspring of settlers to buy homes near their parents.
This is very heartening that the Obama administration is standing very firm on this issue. There can be no peace agreements without a complete and total freeze on settlements. Netanyahu must have thought Obama was as pliable as other U.S. Presidents have been, but this must be a shocking wake up call.
Correspondents say it is the first time in years that US officials have been so vocal in calling for a settlement freeze in the Palestinian territories.
The comments come hours before Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is to meet Mr Obama at the White House.
Israel's PM has defied US demands, saying some settlements can expand.