Israel has recently announced the construction of 1100 more settlements in East Jerusalem. According to Voice of America: 

U.S., European and Palestinian leaders have condemned Israel's plan to construct 1,100 new housing units in east Jerusalem, a move that could raise already heightened tensions after last week's Palestinian bid to seek United Nations membership.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday called Israel's decision “counter-productive” to reviving stalled Mideast peace talks. She said both sides should avoid provocative actions that undermine trust, particularly in Jerusalem.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Israel's decision to move ahead with new settlement construction in the city's contested Gilo neighborhood “threatens the viability” of a two-state solution and “should be reversed.”

British Foreign Secretary William Hague noted that settlement expansion is “illegal under international law, corrodes trust and undermines the basic principle of land for peace.”

Palestinians oppose Israeli building on land they want as part of a future state. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Israel's decision amounts to “1,100 no's to the resumption of peace talks.”

But is condemning enough? Should the United States and its European allies threaten sanctions if Israel builds the settlements? This act by Israel is clearly one to increase tensions following President Mamhood Abbas' recent speech at the UN. If President Obama is serious in resolving the Palestinian - Israeli conflict, what action would he take?

 

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Should America stop Israel from building more settlements?