The United States on Friday "regretted" the Israeli decision to approve additional settlement construction in West Bank, which it said is inconsistent with its commitment under the Roadmap.
"We regret the reports of Israel's plans to approve additional settlement construction. Continued settlement activity is inconsistent with Israel's commitment under the Roadmap," the White House said.
The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement expansion, a white house statement said.
"We are working to create a climate in which negotiations can take place, and such actions make it harder to create such a climate," said the statement issued by the White House Press Secretary.
"We do appreciate Israel's stated intent to place limits on settlement activity and will continue to discuss this with the Israelis as these limitations are defined," it said.
Noting that the US commitment to Israel's security is and will remain unshakable, the Press Secretary said, "We believe it can best be achieved through comprehensive peace in the region, including a two-state solution with a Palestinian state living side by side in peace with Israel."
"Our objective remains to resume meaningful negotiations as soon as possible in pursuit of this goal. We are working with all parties –-Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab states -- on the steps they must take to achieve that objective," it said.
{{/usCountry}}"Our objective remains to resume meaningful negotiations as soon as possible in pursuit of this goal. We are working with all parties –-Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab states -- on the steps they must take to achieve that objective," it said.
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