Israel's defence minister Barak seeks 'understanding' with US

Occupied Jerusalem: Israel's defence minister said he hopes to reach a "wider understanding" on regional peace when he meets Washington's Middle East envoy this week.

However, Defence Minister Ehud Barak made no mention of the dispute over settlement construction in the West Bank, the issue that is expected to dominate Monday's discussions.
Barak, Israel's point man on settlements, is heading to London on Monday in hopes of breaking the impasse marring Israel's relations with its most important ally.

It will be Barak's second meeting with US envoy George Mitchell in less than a week.

Barak said the goal of his meeting will be to work toward "a wider understanding ... to make progress on the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, and to opening a door to further moves."