The United States on Monday said it has "serious concerns" about Israel's approval of more than 1,000 new homes in Palestinian areas ahead of the launch of new peace negotiations, dpa reported.
"We do not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said.
The US was raising its concerns with the Israeli government, she said.
Harf said Israel's pledge to release some long-term Palestinian prisoners before the expected start of the talks Wednesday, as promised beforehand, was a "tough decision" and a "positive step forward."