WASHINGTON: The White House has said it has not yet taken a position on Israeli settlements, but said their construction or expansion "may not be helpful" in achieving peace in the region.
"While we don't believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a late night statement.
"The Trump administration has not taken an official position on settlement activity and looks forward to continuing discussions, including with Prime Minister Netanyahu when he visits with President Trump later this month," he said.
Spicer said American desire for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians has remained unchanged for 50 years.
"As the President has expressed many times, he hopes to achieve peace throughout the Middle East region," Spicer said.