The latest IMF growth figures are likely to sharpen debate between those who say Israel has taken sufficient steps to improve Palestinians' daily lives and those calling on Israel to go further. They come amid mounting tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over what will happen after a 10-month partial freeze on building in Jewish West Bank settlements ends later this month.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday the current restrictions on West Bank settlements won't remain in place, though there will still be some limits on construction. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened repeatedly to quit the talks if Israel does not renew the restrictions."
