Blinken: Committed to Ending the Conflict in the Middle East as Soon as Possible

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced today, Friday, that he feels "disappointed" over Israel's announcement to plan the construction of three thousand new housing units in West Bank settlements. During a press conference in Buenos Aires, Blinken stated that "the long-standing U.S. policy is that new settlements have a counterproductive effect on achieving lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians." Blinken indicated that "they are committed to ending the conflict in the Middle East as soon as possible." He added, "Our administration maintains a strong opposition to settlement expansion, which we believe only undermines Israel's security and does not enhance it." The White House also stated that "America is disappointed by the announcement of Israeli plans to build settlements in the West Bank," noting that "settlements are not consistent with international law."