The United States strongly condemns Israel programs to construct new settlements in the West Bank of the Jordan River, according to the US State Department statement.

According to the spokesman of the State Department Mark Toner, that step hinders the long lasting interest of Israel in the security sphere and prospects of the Palestinian conflict resolution. Adoption of such a decision shortly after making an agreement with  the US on military assistance concerns the US. " Israel would take a decision so contrary to its long term security interest in a peaceful resolution of its conflict with the Palestinians," he said.