White House wants to clarify building plan in Sheikh Jarrah

The White House says it is seeking clarification of Israel's plans to build 20 new apartments in east Jerusalem. White House spokesman Tommy Vietor says the White House continues to believe that Israeli building in Jerusalem is destructive to the Middle East peace process.

 He says the United States is urging both Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from acts that could undermine trust as the Obama administration looks to jump-start the stalled peace process. Vietor would not say whether President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the specific building project in their meetings at the White House late Tuesday. (AP)