United States opposes Palestinian or Israeli unilateral measures

Spokeswoman of the US State Department Marie Harf said on Friday that her country opposes any unilateral measures to be taken by Palestinians or Israelis.

“No one should take any steps that undermine trust, including unilateral steps,” Harf said.

The spokeswoman stressed that the US wanted peace talks to continue. “We would like to resume peace negotiations, and we think that both sides should take steps to make that possible,” she said.

These comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Bloomberg that Israel is thinking of taking unilateral steps to achieve its goals.

“It is true that the idea of taking unilateral steps is gaining ground, from the centre-left to the centre-right,” said Netanyahu. “Many Israelis are asking themselves if there are certain unilateral steps that could theoretically make sense,” he added.

Harf reiterated that Martin Indyk is still the US special envoy to the Middle East peace process, and that he has not made an announcement that he will retire.

“He is here. He is working,” she said. “I do not have any predictions to make.” When journalists asked her whether he left his position, she replied: “You guys are kicking him out the door before he is gone.”