US criticizes Israeli plan to build 3,000 homes

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Israel’s decision to build 3,000 more housing units in Jerusalem and the West Bank “sets back the cause of a negotiated peace.” The White House earlier described the plan as "counter-productive."

Addressing the Saban Forum in Washington, Clinton rejected Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s pessimism about the Palestinian Authority’s ability to govern and bring about a lasting peace. "Some Israelis claim [Palestinian President Mahmoud] Abbas is not a partner for peace," Clinton continued, "Well, I think that should be tested."