Report: Angry Merkel tells off Netanyahu

BERLIN, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel bluntly lectured Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for failing to advance peace, sources in Berlin told Haaretz.

The Israeli newspaper, citing German government sources, reported Friday that Netanyahu called Merkel Monday to voice disappointment that Germany voted for a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning settlement expansion on the occupied West Bank. The United States vetoed the resolution.

"How dare you," Merkel replied, in a German official's account. "You are the one who disappointed us. You haven't made a single step to advance peace."

Netanyahu told her he would float a new peace initiative within weeks but the chancellor and her advisers did not believe a single word of his, the source said.

An Israeli spokesman would not confirm nor deny the report, The Guardian said.

In a recent visit to Israel, Merkel said, "Europe will not turn its back on Israel and neither will the United States. We feel uncomfortable because things are not progressing. In an honest and straightforward manner, I will tell you that you are missing an opportunity. History will not give you many more."

The U.S. veto set off Palestinian demonstrations in Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem.