Netanyahu faces difficult choice on settlement freeze

JERUSALEM - Even before peace talks with the Palestinians begin, Israel's government is fiercely debating a key concession: whether to extend a slowdown of settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Israeli officials confirmed on Monday that the government is in quiet talks with the US in search of a "creative" solution that will allow at least some limited construction to take place after Israel's 10-month moratorium ends on Sept 26.

The officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is well aware of the high stakes.