Jerusalem – Israel and China have signed a deal to bring Chinese construction workers to Israel, but the workers will reportedly be barred from building in West Bank settlements at China’s insistence.
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Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said Sunday the deal ensures they will work in areas “agreed upon by both sides that take into consideration their safety and well-being.”
He would not elaborate but Israeli media reported this as meaning the workers will not be working in territory Israel captured in 1967 that the Palestinians claim for a future state.
The international community mostly views Israeli settlements there as illegal and an obstacle to reaching a two-state solution to the conflict.
Israel says settlements along with other core issues like security should be resolved in peace talks.
Bh!