Israel’s West Bank settlement slowdown expires, no Palestinian decision to quit peace talks

Israeli settlement slowdown expires

JERUSALEM — Israel’s 10-month settlement construction slowdown has expired, and Jewish settlers were preparing to resume their building, possibly endangering newly resumed peace talks.

Palestinians have threatened to quit the peace talks, restarted this month by President Barack Obama, if settlement construction resumes.

The Palestinians have asked for an Oct. 4 meeting of an Arab League body to review the situation, possibly giving another week for diplomatic contacts.