As Netanyahu visits Europe, relations frayed

BERLIN (AP) — It was supposed to be an amicable meeting between close friends. Instead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Germany has been soured by Berlin’s refusal to oppose a Palestinian U.N. statehood bid and anger throughout Europe over Israeli plans to expand settlements around Jerusalem.

The sensitivity of Netanyahu’s trip to one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe offers a taste of the increasing displeasure on the continent at his government’s seeming intransigence, particularly over Jewish settlements on lands the Palestinians want for a future state.