White House warns about newer settlements

The Obama administration has sharply criticized Israel on Wednesday, warning that it will face international condemnation “from even its closest allies” if it proceeds with a massive new housing project in east of the occupied al-Quds ('Jerusalem').

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the United States is “deeply concerned” about the proposal to build more than 2,600 housing units in Givat Hamatos, or Airplane Hill, in the occupied city.

The settlement would be built in an area the Palestinians envision as part of their future state, making it more difficult to realize Palestinian aspirations of the city as their capital.