WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is once again condemning Israel for plans to construct housing on land claimed by the Palestinians.
The State Department said Wednesday the proposal to build a new settlement and establish an industrial zone in the West Bank runs counter to the concept of a two-state solution to the long-running conflict. Spokesman Mark Toner also said that the decision was “deeply troubling” because it occurred so soon after the U.S. agreed last month to a new 10-year, $38 billion military aid package for Israel.
The U.S. has repeatedly criticized Israel for such projects.
On Tuesday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the plans for the projects west of Ramallah. Palestinians want their new state in the West Bank with east Jerusalem as its capital.
