US, EU: Israel’s authorization of 300 new settler homes harmful to peace
American and European officials warned Israel on Wednesday that its authorization of 300 new settler homes in the Beit El settlement was harmful to ongoing efforts to jump start the frozen peace process.
Nabil Abu Rudaineh, spokesman for the PA presidency, said the decision would sabotage US and EU efforts to resume the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
“This requires a quick intervention by the international community to stop dangerous Israeli policies that could lead to further deterioration,” he said. “The decision also represents a message that Israel is not interested in peace or any efforts to create a climate that paves the way for peace.”
The US State Department deputy spokesman said, “Settlement expansion threatens the two-state solution and calls into question Israel’s commitment to a negotiated resolution to the conflict. We continue to urge the Israeli government to refrain from unhelpful actions that undercut the possibility of a two-state solution.”
The EU slammed the government’s decision, saying it calls into question Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution.