NEW : Israel agrees to some limits on West Bank settlement growth . ` ` It is time to show the flexibility and common sense and sense of compromise that is necessary to achieve our goals , '' Obama said . ` It is past time to talk about starting negotiations , '' President Obama says . The White House said the deal would allow for a gradual expansion of Jewish settlements in areas that are under full Israeli control. Meetings come as hopes for renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks have dimmed .
NEW : Israel agrees to some limits on West Bank settlement growth . ` ` It is past time to talk about starting negotiations , '' President Obama says . The White House said the deal would allow for a gradual expansion of Jewish settlements in areas that are under full Israeli control. Meetings come as hopes for renewed Israeli-Palestinian talks have dimmed .