White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Monday was asked about reports that the Israeli government has informed the Biden administration of its intentions to approve 4,000 new housing units in Judea and Samaria this month.
“I certainly wouldn”t be in a position to confirm reports of that nature, except to say we have long made clear our concerns about additional settlements in the West Bank, that we don”t want to see actions taken that are going to make a two-state solution that much more difficult to achieve,” Kirby told reporters at the White House daily press briefing.
“We don”t want to see steps taken that only increase the tensions, and we”ve been very clear about that. Nothing has changed about our policy,” he added.
Asked whether the White House would consider using any of its leverage to discourage the Israeli construction, Kirby replied, “Again, nothing has changed on our policy on settlements, and let”s not get ahead of where we are right now.”
The comments followed a report by Barak Ravid of Axios, who said the units in question are to be built in pre-existing communities, and a formal announcement will be made before the end of June.

Three American and Israeli officials confirmed that the Israelis had informed their American counterparts so as not to blindside the administration with the formal announcement.
The Biden administration opposes all construction in Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.