The United States today condemned Israeli plans for new settlements in the Palestinian territories as "provocative" and running directly opposite to moves Washington believes are helpful to peace and stability in the region.
"Continuing settlement activity by Israel does risk further inflaming an already volatile situation in the region," State Department spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said.
"This is provocative and we have consistently encouraged both sides to refrain from provocative acts," he told reporters.
Earlier, the Israeli housing ministry published tenders for 708 homes for Jewish settlers in the West Bank, drawing an immediate outcry from Palestinians and left-wing Israelis.
Senior Palestinian negotiator Mr Saeb Erakat said the tenders were part of an Israeli "policy of aggression."
The settlements, which are illegal under international law, have been at the flashpoint of the six-month Palestinian intifada or uprising against the Israeli occupation that has killed almost 470 people, most of them Palestinians.
The European Union has also expressed concern today over the Israeli plans and renewed its condemnation of the country's settlement policies in general.
"All settlement activities are illegal and constitute a major obstacle to peace," the Swedish EU presidency said in a press release.
"The European Union strongly urges the Israeli government to reverse its settlement policy as regards the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem."
The statement called on Israel to prevent the building of 2,800 new housing units in the Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim settlement as well as the creation of a new settlement called Giva'ot, with 6,000 housing units.
"Settlements change the physical character and demographic composition of the Occupied Territories," the press release said.