By DPA,
Washington : The US objected to Israeli plans announced Monday to build nearly 700 new homes in East Jerusalem, which is claimed by the Palestinians as their future capital.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the Israelis should not engage in policies that pre-empt negotiations on a final settlement and said both sides must resolve the issue.
“The United States opposes new Israeli construction in East Jerusalem,” Gibbs said in a statement, adding the Israelis and Palestinians should return to negotiations “without preconditions as soon as possible”.
“We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem, and safeguards its status for people around the world,” he added.
Israel’s Housing Ministry outlined plans to build 692 homes on land captured from Jordan in the 1967 war and incorporated into the Jerusalem municipal boundaries.
President Barack Obama has demanded that the Israeli government halt any new settlement construction or expansion, provoking a public disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu has announced there will be no new construction in the West Bank, but excluded East Jerusalem from the declaration. He insists that Jerusalem will not be divided.
Palestinians have condemned any new building and insist that East Jerusalem become the capital and an envisioned Palestinian state.