Netanyahu shows an image of a Hamas rocket launcher placed near children in Gaza. Photo: Screenshot.

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 a day earlier, saying Thursday it is well aware of the situation on the ground.

The White House and State Department both stridently criticized Israel for plans to build 2,610 homes in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos Wednesday, saying the move would “draw condemnation from the international community, distance Israel from even its closest allies [and] poison the atmosphere.”

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