SETTLEMENT EXPANSION US ‘dismayed’ with Israeli move

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The United States voiced deep dismay at Israel’s decision to expand Jewish settlements in occupied Palestinian territory but on Thursday also described as “unhelpful” a push for the UN Security Council to denounce the move.

In a rebuke of Israel – suggesting President Joe Biden was prepared to take a harder line in dealing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – the White House said settlement activity “creates facts on the ground” that undermine hopes for peace between Israel and a future Palestinian state.

“The United States strongly opposes these unilateral measures which exacerbate tensions, harm trust between the parties and undermine the geographic viability of the two-state solution,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Netanyahu’s government on Sunday authorized nine Jewish settler outposts in the occupied West Bank and announced mass construction of new homes in established settlements.

The United Nations Security Council is considering a draft resolution, seen by Reuters on Wednesday, that would demand Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.”

The 15-member council is likely to vote on Monday on the text, drafted by the United Arab Emirates in coordination with the Palestinians, diplomats said.