US: Does not accept legitimacy of continued settlement activity

“We do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity,” Deputy State Department Spokeswoman Marie Harf said Monday after it was reported that Israel is planning to build an additional 1000 settlement units. “These announcements come at a particularly sensitive time and we have raised our concerns with the government of Israel.”

“We are moving forward with our plans. We have always said that this is going to be difficult,” Harf added, noting that the Israeli government is taking “a difficult and necessary step” in releasing Palestinian prisoners ahead of talks. (Ynet)