Netanyahu, Obama talks marked by 'good atmosphere'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that there was a "good atmosphere" in his meeting with US President Barack Obama in Washington. The two leaders had not issued statements before the impromptu meeting and, unusually, did not appear before cameras.

Reuters

Netanyahu met with Obama "privately for approximately 1.5 hours, in a good atmosphere," his office said in a statement, adding that advisors to both men were holding follow-up discussions that would continue throughout the day.

White House officials declined to say if any agreements had been proposed or reached.

A major diplomatic row between the two allies erupted earlier this month when Israel announced plans to construct 1,600 new settler homes in mostly Arab east Jerusalem during a visit by US Vice President Joe Biden.

The announcement came two days after the Palestinians had grudgingly agreed to indirect talks with Israel, and dealt a major blow to months of US-led efforts to revive the Middle East peace process.