Israel Prepares 10-Month Halt On Settlements.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Wednesday announced his intention to halt new residential construction in West Bank settlements for 10 months as part of an effort to revive stalled Middle East peace talks. But a top Palestinian official said the plan was not enough, and the United States, which had sought a total freeze on settlement building, offered a mixed response. While the Obama administration praised Mr. Netanyahu's decision, it used the long-expected announcement to increase pressure on him over the terms of future negotiations with the Palestinians to create an independent state. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]