Low profile for Netanyahu amid 'land grab' row

In a break with custom that seemed linked to the crisis complicating US-Israeli relations, reporters were not invited to see them shake hands and begin their talks.

It is highly unusual for a visiting ally not to be seen with the President, either for photographs or statements.

At issue is Israel's announcement two weeks ago, as Vice President Joe Biden visited, that it will build 1,600 new apartments in east Jerusalem, the largely Arab section of the disputed holy city.

Yesterday the authorities also approved 20 new apartments for Jews in east Jerusalem in a move that could stir a further diplomatic crisis.

The new project is funded by an American millionaire. It calls for

tearing down part of an old hotel, the Shepherd, and building 20

apartments and a three-level underground parking lot instead.

Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state and have delayed new US-sponsored peace talks over what they say is an Israeli land grab.

Mr Obama and Mr Netanyahu initially conferred for about 90 minutes in the Oval Office – half an hour longer than scheduled. After that meeting, Mr Obama retired to the residence while Mr Netanyahu stayed behind to consult with his staff in the Roosevelt Room, a White House official said.

Mr Netanyahu then asked for a second meeting with Mr Obama, who came back to the Oval Office for another 35 minutes of talks with the prime minister, said the official.

The White House did not issue a formal statement on what was discussed in either meeting, another break with custom. Israeli officials also

had no comment.

On Capitol Hill, Mr Netanyahu received a warm public reception from Congress, with a top Democrat and Republican joining to praise a leader who has refused to back down in a disagreement the White House says threatens new peace talks.

The bipartisan welcome underscored the breadth of congressional support for Israel. And it pointed to the limited options, beyond verbal rebukes, that the Mr Obama administration faces in pressuring the Jewish state.

"We in Congress stand by Israel," the leader of the House, Speaker

Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, assured Mr Netanyahu at an all-smiles appearance before the cameras.