The United States says it is “deeply concerned” by Israeli approval of new housing construction in disputed east Jerusalem.

The State Department says such “unilateral actions work against efforts to resume direct negotiations.” The State Department also said Israelis and Palestinians should settle their differences on Jerusalem through negotiation.

Last week, an Israeli planning commission approved 930 new housing units in the Har Homa neighborhood in east Jerusalem. Actual building is at least two years off. — ap