WASHINGTON - Israel’s decision to press ahead with the construction of new settlements in occupied east Jerusalem could be “very dangerous,” US President Barack Obama said Wednesday in an interview with Fox News.
“I think that additional settlement building does not contribute to Israel’s security.
I think it makes it harder for them to make peace with their neighbors,” Obama said in excerpts from the interview posted on the television network’s website.
“I think it embitters the Palestinians in a way that could end up being very dangerous,” he said.
However, Obama indicated the move would not affect US support for its key ally, Israel.
“The situation in the Middle East is very difficult,” the US leader said. “I’ve said repeatedly and I’ll say again, Israel’s security is a vital national interest to the United States, and we will make sure they are secure.”
Israel has defended the Interior Ministry’s decision to approve the construction of 900 new housing units in Gilo in occupied east Jerusalem, which Israel considers an integral part of its capital and the Palestinians want to make the capital of their promised state. – AFP