Israel's dovish Peace Now movement denies claims by the right-wing Israeli government that it has imposed a partial settlement freeze in the West Bank.

VOA: standard.2009.08.23

President Obama called for a return to peace talks on Thursday, two days after the Israeli government announced a partial settlement freeze in the West Bank.

VOA: standard.2009.08.21

While Israel has imposed a partial freeze on construction in the West Bank, government spokesman Mark Regev says that does not apply to Jerusalem, which Israel says is the eternal capital of the Jewish people.

VOA: standard.2009.12.28

Called a continuing resolution, it must pass by March 27 to prevent a partial government shutdown.

CNN: Hope for compromise recedes as budget debate begins

In the absence of a budget accord, there's a possibility of a third partial government shutdown starting January 27, when a temporary funding measure expires.

CNN: Hopes for budget deal wither

But while a partial government shutdown would still close federal tourist attractions, this time it would affect less than half as many federal workers as the last time.

CNN: Negotiators set for final budget push