By DPA,
Washington: US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that new Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem undermine the peace process with the Palestinians.
Clinton urged the Israelis and Palestinians to pursue “serious and substantive” talks to resolve the conflict and reach a two-state solution, but warned the continued Israeli building on land claimed by the Palestinians undermines the trust necessary for successful negotiations.
“New construction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank undermine that mutual trust,” Clinton said at a speech before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israeli lobby in Washington.
Clinton’s speech came amid a rare diplomatic dispute between the US and Israel, following Israel’s announcement March 9 of plans to build 1,600 new housing units in East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians envision as their future capital.
The announcement angered the US because it came just after the two sides agreed to hold indirect talks and while Vice President Joe Biden was in Israel to praise the progress.
But the construction plans threatened to undo the little progress that had been made and drew sharp rebukes from US officials. Biden and Clinton strongly condemned the announcement.
Despite the disagreement, Clinton said the US remains committed to Israel’s security and unwavering in its defence. She said the two countries will “forever” be bound by a shared commitment to democratic values and freedom.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security and Israel’s future is rock solid, unwavering, enduring and forever,” Clinton told the annual AIPAC conference.