European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Javier Solana and American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have criticized Israel's plans to builed more than 1,000 new housing units at Pisgat Zev and Givat Zev. "We deplore this statement as it puts the Annapolis peace process in jeopardy," Solana said.
Secretary Rice discussed the issue with visiting Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Monday, and the government stated it "frowns upon this announcement." She also called Defense Minister Ehud Barak to discuss the construction, which the government allowed following threats by the Shas party it was on the verge of quitting the coalition.
The United States never considered building in Greater Jerusalem as having the same status of communities in Judea and Samaria until several weeks ago, when Secretary Rice equated them for the first time.