US Vice President Joe Biden meets Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Tuesday. (AP Photo)
The Obama Administration strongly condemned the Israeli decision on new settlements in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, saying that this would sharply undermine confidence building measures between Israel and Palestine on finding a lasting solution to conflict in the region.
US Vice President Joe Biden, who is travelling in the region, issued a statement to condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem.
"The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I've had here in Israel," Biden said, adding that unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues.
Echoing Biden, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said: "Neither the substance or the timing is particularly helpful nor I think runs counter to the very productive talks that the Vice President was having in the region."
Biden observed that one must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them.
This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations underway that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict, he said.
Biden said the US recognises that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
"We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realises the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world," he said.
Biden said the Obama Administration encourages the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.