U.S. dismayed by Israel's building plans

JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The United States voiced dismay Tuesday over Israel's plan to expand settlements in East Jerusalem, saying the decision hinders the Middle East peace process.

"At a time when we are working to re-launch negotiations, these actions make it more difficult for our efforts to succeed," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "Neither party should engage in efforts or take actions that could unilaterally pre-empt, or appear to pre-empt, negotiations."

The Jerusalem municipal planning committee approved the construction plan, despite an Israeli newspaper publishing an article stating the United States specifically objected to the construction plan, Haaretz reported.

"The (United States) also objects to other Israeli practices in Jerusalem related to housing, including the continuing pattern of evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes," Gibbs said. "Our position is clear: The status of Jerusalem is a permanent status issue that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties."

The planned 900 housing units, named "Gilo's western slopes," represents a significant expansion of the neighborhood, Haaretz said.

Officials said the abandonment of another construction area created the need for new land for the housing project that is beyond the so-called Green Line separating Israel from its neighbors and territories such as West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights.

Moshe Ben Shushan, chairman of the Gilo community administration, said he was amazed by the U.S. disapproval, calling it "a trend of interference in Israel's policies."

"I have never thought of Gilo as a settlement," he said.