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US displeased with Levy Report
DC official says US 'does not accept legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity and we oppose any effort to legalize settlement outposts'
WASHINGTON – The American Administration vehemently disagrees with the findings of the Levy Report, which states that the Israeli government must promote the legitimization of all West Bank settlements and outposts.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday evening, State Department Spokesman Patrick Ventrell said that, "The US position on settlements is clear.
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"Obviously, we've seen the reports that an Israeli Government appointed panel has recommended legalizing dozens of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, but we do not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity and we oppose any effort to legalize settlement outposts...We’re concerned about it, obviously."
Washington is likely to pressure Israel to refrain from implementing the report's recommendations – a situation that will categorically change the legal realities in the West Bank.
The report is likely to be one of the issues US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns discusses during his meetings in Israel this week.
Burns will accompany US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her visit to the region, which will begin in Egypt, continue in Israel and will also see the US mission meet with top Palestinian officials in Ramallah.
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