The US and EU urged Israel’s government on Tuesday to reverse its decision to appropriate nearly 1,000 acres of West Bank land earmarked for a new settlement city, saying this would undermine any prospect of restarting peace talks with the Palestinians.
The US said it was “deeply concerned” about the move announced on Sunday which will further expand Gush Etzion, a large Jewish settlement bloc near Bethlehem and – say Palestinians – further diminish their chances of building a geographically contiguous independent state.
“The steps are contrary to Israel’s stated goal of negotiating a permanent-status agreement with the Palestinians, and it would send a very troubling message if they proceed,” Jen Psaki, a US State department spokesperson, said.