The United States is extremely concerned by the levels of violence in Israel and the West Bank and fears that a raid by Israeli forces there could set back efforts at restoring calm, the State Department said on Wednesday.
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State Department spokesman Ned Price told a regular press briefing that Washington recognized Israel's security concerns but was deeply concerned by the large number of injuries and loss of civilian life.
Video: Reuters / The Israeli counterterrorism raid in Nablus
According to Palestinian authorities, 11 people died, including at least four terrorists and three civilians during the operation. They also said over 100 others were wounded during.
The raid came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Monday said it would not authorize new settlements in the Judea and Samaria as part of an agreement that helped avoid stronger criticism at the UN Security Council over a move to authorize settler outposts.
"We recognize the very real security concerns facing Israel. At same time, we're deeply concerned by large number of injuries & loss of civilians," Price stressed.
The Security Council ultimately issued a formal statement, not a stronger draft resolution earlier proposed by the United Arab Emirates, after the United States said the resolution would be "unhelpful."
"We had productive conversations in recent days with the parties and US regional partners in support of efforts to prevent further violence," Price said. "We are deeply concerned that the impact of today's raid could set back efforts aimed at restoring calm for both Israelis and Palestinians."
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