US condemns Israel’s decision to expand settlements

The White House condemned Israel’s decision to build 3,000 new homes in settlements in occupied Jerusalem and said the decision is counterproductive. “We reiterate our longstanding opposition to settlements and East Jerusalem construction and announcements,” US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said. “We believe these actions are counterproductive and make it harder to resume direct negotiations or achieve a two state solution. Direct negotiations remain our goal and we encourage all parties to take steps to make that easier to achieve,” Vietor said. The Israeli move comes in less than 24 hours after the UN voted to upgrade Palestine’s status to a non-member observer state.