The Obama administration has “strongly” condemned Israel for plans to construct housing on land in the West Bank, saying it calls Israel’s commitment to a negotiated agreement into question.
The State Department says a proposal to build a new settlement with up to 300 units runs counter to the concept of a two-state solution to the long-running conflict.
The condemnation apparently refers to recently approved plans for 98 units to resettle evacuees from the soon-to-be-razed illegal outpost of Amona, east of Ramallah, as well as reported plans for an industrial zone.
Israeli children from the West Bank settlement of Amona walk past their homes, September 7, 2016. (AFP Photo/Menahem Kahana)
“It is deeply troubling … that Israel would take a decision so contrary to its long-term security interest in a peaceful resolution to its conflict with the Palestinians,” spokesman Mark Toner says, citing the fact that it occurred so soon after the US agreed last month to a new 10-year, $38 billion military aid package for Israel.
The statement also cites the settlement’s location deep in the West bank as making plans for a contiguous Palestinian state more remote.
On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the plans for the projects west of Ramallah.
“The Secretary‑General urges Israel to halt and reverse such counterproductive decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement,” a UN statement read.
— with AP
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