Clinton Tells Israel to Show Commitment to Peace Process

JERUSALEM, March 16, 2010 — -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tried to ease tensions with Israel today that erupted last week, but told Israel it had to demonstrate a commitment to peace negotiations with Palestinians.

Her remarks came on the day that President Obama's special envoy scratched plans to head to the region this week in an effort to get those talks started.

And on the streets of East Jerusalem, Israeli police and soldiers fought running battles with rock throwing Palestinians angry over Israel's announced plans to build 1,600 more housing units for Jews in that part of the city.

Israel's announcement of the construction plans last week came after both Israelis and Palestinians agreed to resume talks, and as Vice President Joe Biden was in Israel. The statement angered Palestinians and was described by U.S. administration officials as an "insult."

Clinton called Netanyahu Friday and during a testy 43 minute exchange said she wanted him to rescind the announcement and make other overtures to the Palestinians. Instead, Netanyahu said on Monday that the construction would proceed as schedule.

Clinton today tried to tamp down tensions, telling reporters, "We have a close unshakable bond between the United States and Israel and between the American and Israeli people. We share common values and a commitment to a democratic future for the world and we are both committed to a two state solution but that doesn't mean that we're going to agree."

She indicated that the administration was seeking a demonstration of Israel's sincerity in going ahead with peace talks.

"We are engaged in a very active consultation with the Israelis over steps that we think would demonstrate the requisite commitment to this process," Clinton said.

"We know how hard this is," she said.

"When we have something to say we will of course share it with you, but our goal now is to make sure that we have the full commitment from both our Israeli and our Palestinian partners to this effort," Clinton said.