Via Times of Israel:
Washington rebuffed a contention by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it was ill-informed of East Jerusalem building plans when it leveled its sharp criticism against Israel , saying Thursday it is well aware of the situation on the ground.
The White House and State Department both stridently criticized Israel on Wednesday for plans to build 2,610 homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos, saying the move would “draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from even its closest allies [and] poison the atmosphere.”
Netanyahu responded by implying that the US had jumped to incorrect conclusions about the intended neighborhood.“It’s worth learning the information properly before deciding to take a position like that,” he told reporters.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Thursday that the US was well aware of the situation in the East Jerusalem neighborhood, as sources in Jerusalem had provided the government with clear information regarding the approved construction plans.