U.S. ‘Disappointed’ by Israeli Home-Construction Plan
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The U.S. is “disappointed” by Israeli government-sanctioned plans to build new homes in an area of east Jerusalem claimed by Palestinians, which may threaten U.S.-sponsored Middle East talks.
While deeming the move unhelpful to the peace effort, the U.S. didn’t comply with Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat’s request for the administration to condemn the building plans. State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley told reporters in Washington today the plan is “contrary to our efforts to resume direct negotiations between the parties.”