U.N. Chief Condemns New Community for Amona Evacuees

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is disappointed and alarmed by Israel’s decision to build a new community in Yehudah and Shomron for the Amona evacuees and has condemned the move.

“He condemns all unilateral actions that, like the present one, threaten peace and undermine the two-state solution,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

The White House appeared more accommodating to Israel’s plans for the new community, intended for some 40 families evicted from Amona.

A White House official noted Netanyahu had made a commitment to the Amona residents before U.S. President Donald Trump and the Israeli leader agreed to work on limiting construction activity.

“The Israeli government has made clear that Israel’s intent is to adopt a policy regarding settlement activity that takes President Trump’s concerns into consideration,” a written statement from the official said.

Following Thursday’s announcement, Israeli officials said Netanyahu’s security cabinet decided out of respect for Trump’s peace efforts to limit construction to existing, built-up areas and not to expand beyond present boundaries.

The White House was informed in advance about the planned announcement of a new building project as well as the Israeli policy shift and raised no objections, a person close to the matter said, signaling possible coordination between the two governments.