White House says Israel's new settlement contradicts assurances

[October 06, 2016]    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House sharply criticized Israel on Wednesday over its plan for a new settlement building in the West Bank that the White House says undermines the peace process and contradicts assurances from Jerusalem.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest speaks during a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S. October 4, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

"We did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a news briefing. "I guess when we're talking about how good friends treat one another, that's a source of serious concern as well."

(Reporting by Roberta Rampton and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Leslie Adler)

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