WASHINGTON: The United States called on Israel Monday to "reconsider" a decision to allow 3,000 more homes for Jewish settlers in east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
"We urge Israeli leaders to reconsider these unilateral decisions and exercise restraint as these actions are counter-productive and make it harder to resume direct negotiations," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
His comments came amid intensifying international pressure on Israel in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision last week.
The areas opened for settlement construction included E1, a corridor east of Jerusalem where Jewish settlements would effectively split the occupied West Bank, further complicating the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state.
The State Department warned in an earlier statement that the E1 area "is particularly sensitive and construction there would be especially damaging to efforts to achieve a two-state solution."
Israel announced the decision on settlements after the UN General Assembly voted to upgrade the Palestinian status to a UN observer state, over vehement Israeli and US objections.
A source in Netanyahu's office said Israel would not bend to the international pressure.
- AFP/fa
US calls Israel to 'reconsider' settlements decision
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US calls Israel to 'reconsider' settlements decision
