U.S. Vice President Joe Biden called today for no delay in resuming Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Speaking in Tel Aviv, he also called peace with the Palestinianians "profoundly" in the interest of Israel.
His remarks come as Turkey and Russia today condemned the recent Israeli government decision to erect 1,600 settler homes in an area of the occupied West Bank annexed to Jerusalem.
Arab League chief Amr Moussa said Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has told him he will not enter indirect talks with Israel as a result of the Israeli settlement decision.
Biden, who is on a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, earlier said the settlement plan was undermining peace efforts after Palestinians agreed to U.S.-mediated talks.
compiled from agency reports