By Kasim Ileri and Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
The Obama administration rejected criticism from Israel's prime minister about the U.S.’ recent condemnation of Israel’s plans to seize Palestinian land.
U.S. officials last week condemned the Israeli government's approval of new settlement construction in the sensitive area of Givat Hamatos in occupied East Jerusalem, and the seizure of buildings in a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
"It's against the American values. And it doesn't bode well for peace," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during an interview with American broadcaster CBS. “The idea that we’d have this ethnic purification as a condition for peace, I think it’s anti-peace.”
White House press secretary Josh Earnest responded Monday. "It did seem odd for him to try to defend the actions of his government by saying that our response did not reflect American values.”
He noted that Republican and Democrat administrations have opposed "any unilateral actions that attempt to prejudge final status issues, including the status of Jerusalem."
"It’s American values that have led us to defend Israel in a variety of international forums, including a variety of United States forums," he said.
At the State Department, spokeswoman Jen Psaki also found the prime minister's criticism strange. “I have to say it was a bit odd to use ‘American values’ when clearly we’ve had a consistent view and a consistent position on this particular issue," she said.
Last week, right-wing Israelis from the settler group, the City of David Foundation, or Elad, reportedly took over buildings in Silwan, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem, seizing seven complexes that hold at least 22 apartments.
Earnest noted that Netanyahu only addressed U.S. concerns over Silwan, while neglecting to address those about reports that the Israeli government had moved forward the planning process in Givat Hamatos.
Earnest reiterated his criticism of the land grab saying, "That action is contrary to Israel’s stated goal of negotiating a permanent status agreement with the Palestinians, and it would send a very troubling message if they were to proceed with tenders or construction."
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