Israel's Barak to begin five-day US visit

His trip comes at a time when Israel has reiterated its refusal to extend curbs on Jewish settlement building that expire at the end of the month, despite US pressure and Palestinian threats to walk out of the peace talks.
The United Nations has also urged Israel to extend the settlements moratorium due to expire on September 30, highlighting the "renewed hope" for peace after US-brokered direct talks resumed at the start of the month.
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