BBC Middle East, Ha'aretz, New York Times today

Israeli PM defiant on Jerusalem

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a reported US request that a building project in Jerusalem be halted.

"Unified Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people and the state of Israel. Our sovereignty over it is unquestionable."

Netanyahu: Israel rule over Jerusalem not up for discussion

"Imagine what would happen if someone were to suggest Jews could not live in or purchase [property] in certain neighborhoods in London, New York, Paris or Rome," he said."

Israel Rejects U.S. Call on East Jerusalem Development

As Washington seeks to help create a Palestinian state, it has challenged Jewish settlements in both areas and demanded a freeze in further building. Israel has been seeking a compromise on the question. The Obama administration’s Middle East envoy, George J. Mitchell, is expected here in a week for more meetings on the issue.