In Israel, Biden Condemns East Jerusalem Settlements

Vice President Joe Biden released a statement shortly after arriving in Israel Tuesday that condemns a decision by the government to allow new settlements in disputed east Jerusalem.

Israel's announcement of the construction of 1,600 new homes for Jews in east Jerusalem came just hours after Biden met with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, 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 said in a statement released by the White House. "We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them."

U.S. Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell would act an an intermediary between the Israelis and Palestinians in the indirect proximity talks.

Biden is in the Middle East to reassure Israelis that the U.S. will stand in the way of Iran's nuclear program. He also wants to prod Israel to resume peace talks with Palestinians, who oppose the settlements.

At their meeting earlier, Biden told Peres there "is absolutely no space between the United States and Israel in terms of Israel's security."

Here is Biden's full statement on the planned settlements:

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, 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. We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them. This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations under way that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians. We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world. Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues. As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, "we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.""