On visit to region, Biden condemns Israeli settlement homes in disputed East Jerusalem

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Biden condemns new E. Jerusalem settlements

WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden is condemning Israel’s approval of 1,600 new settlement homes in disputed East Jerusalem and says the timing undermines the peace process the United States is attempting to revive.

Biden, visiting the region on Tuesday, said timing of the announcement is “precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel.” Biden says Israelis and Palestinians must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them.

Moments earlier, President Barack Obama’s top spokesman, Robert Gibbs, condemned the announcement from the White House. Relations between Israel and the Obama administration have been chilly precisely because of the settlement issue.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says the United States condemns Israel’s approval of 1,600 new settlement homes in disputed East Jerusalem.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters Tuesday that Vice President Joe Biden, visiting Israel, would issue a detailed statement shortly. Gibbs says President Barack Obama’s position on the settlements is known by both the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Israel’s Interior Ministry approved the construction of 1,600 new homes for Jews in disputed east Jerusalem on Tuesday. Relations between Israel and the Obama administration have been chilly precisely because of the settlement issue.