JERUSALEM - Israel's prime minister says his country won't extend a 10-month slowdown in West Bank settlement construction.

The slowdown is to end in late September.

It wasn't clear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was trying to pressure Palestinians to resume direct peace talks.

Netanyahu noted that his Cabinet declared the slowdown to encourage Palestinians to negotiate with Israel directly, instead of through the U.S.

He said the slowdown was limited in time: "It has not changed and that's how it will be."

Palestinians oppose Jewish construction in areas where they hope to build their future state.

Netanyahu spoke before an Israeli parliamentary committee. His remarks were reported by a meeting participant who spoke on condition of anonymity because the session was closed.