CUP OF TREMBLING : US & EU warn Israel to drop settlements

JERUSALEM - The US & EU have advised Israel to drop its plans to construct an additional 450 settlement homes in the West Bank , warning that failure to do so would further destabilize the situation in the region & diminish prospects for peace. On Friday , Israel announced tenders to build new settlements on the Palestinian territories in a move that has been deemed illegal under international law.

" If Israel proceeds with construction , it will become “ an obstacle to peace ” the European Union said in a statement. In addition, it will further “ undermine the viability of the two-state solution.” “ Israel should reverse these decisions, thereby putting an end to settlement expansion ” the Europeans warned. By refusing to do so , Israel faces the risk of “ inflaming the very tense situation on the ground.”

Meanwhile, Washington – Israel’s closest ally – has also voiced concern , warning that it would undermine security. The move will not improve Israel’s security , but will have the opposite effect , White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. “ I can tell you that issuing tenders like this does nothing to bolster Israel’s security, does not increase its prosperity & it does not further the cause for peace. In fact it does precisely the opposite ” Earnest said. The US believes Israeli settlement activity is “ illegitimate & counterproductive ” to achieving a two-state solution , Earnest told reporters. The construction of new homes , the spokesman warned , will have “ detrimental impacts on the ground ” inflaming tensions with the Palestinians & will “ further isolate the Israelis internationally.”

FULL REPORT : RT.com

Zechariah 12v2-3 - Behold, I will make Jerusalem a ' cup of trembling ' unto all the people round about , when they shall be in the siege both against Judah & against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a ' burdensome stone ' for all people : all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces , though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.