John Kirby said that it “would be the latest step in what seems to be a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions and legalizations of outposts”. The US official emphasized that this measure would “undermine the prospects for a two-state solution”.
Spokesman of Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Stephane Dujarric, told the press that Israel’s move “raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank”.
Israel announced its construction plans after the Quartet report was released on Friday with recommendations to the Israeli party not to continue the settlements construction.