A settler jumps into a trailer in Amona outpost in the West Bank, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. Israeli forces have begun evacuating a controversial settlement Amona, which is the largest of about 100 unauthorized outposts erected in the West Bank without permission but generally tolerated by the Israeli government. The writing reads: "Eretz Israel we did not betray ". (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)
JERUSALEM – The group representing Israeli settlers is brushing off a White House statement warning Israel about constructing new settlements.
The Yesha settlers' council said Friday it looks forward to working with the Trump administration.
President Trump has been perceived as sympathetic to the settlements. But the White House said Thursday: "While we don't believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal."
It came hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel would build a new settlement on the same day it evacuated a West Bank outpost.
The Palestinians want the territory for their future state. Much of the international community condemns settlement building there.
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