WASHINGTON —Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu enterned the White House to meet with US President Barack Obama on Tuesday afternoon.

In his opening statements in the meeting, Netanyahu reportedly called for direct talks as soon as possible, saying that Jerusalem and Ramallah are only 15 minutes away from each other.

In addition to calling for direct talks, Netanyahu is expected to discuss the new Gaza blockade policy, as well as the settlement freeze. The two will also talk about Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Netanyahu will bring a detailed list of goods Israel will not allow into the Gaza Strip. The "negative" list, defines what is prohibited rather than what is permitted, thus allowing more goods in. In reaction to the list's unveiling on Monday, the US called it an "important step."

The Jerusalem Post also learned of a proposal in which Obama would hint at the US accepting Israeli control over the major settlement blocs, and Netanyahu would say that he would extend the settlement freeze in the West Bank in all areas outside of those blocs.

This proposal would mean that Obama accepts former US president George W. Bush's 2004 agreement with then-prime minister Ariel Sharon. The agreement is thought to have led to the 2005 disengagement from Gaza.

Protest at the US consulate

About 30 members of the activities committee of the Binyamin and Shomron Council protested outside the US Consulate in Jerusalem on Tuesday as Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with US President Barack Obama in Washington.

The protesters called on Netanyahu not to extend the ten month moratorium on construction in West Bank settlements that is scheduled to end in September.

Protesters held up signs with slogans such as "Bibi is trampling the settlements" at the demonstration.