According to David Miliband, Israel's announcement of yet more illegal settlements may give the impression that Israel is not serious about peace. (I paraphrase)

Joe Biden, the vice US president had this to say:

"The decision by the Israeli government to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem undermines that very trust, the trust that we need right now in order to begin ... profitable negotiations."

Mr Biden also stressed the need to end the conflict to restore to the Palestinians "the fundamental dignity and self-respect that their current predicament denies them".

These are mild words but criticism none the less and an acknowledgement of who is the real obstacle to peace.