Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Israel Continues Settlement Expansion in East Jerusalem VOA News 24 March 2010 A general view of the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Sholmo, 11 Mar 2010 Photo: AP A general view of the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Sholmo, 11 Mar 2010 Israel has given final approval for 20 new settler homes in East Jerusalem, in a move that further complicates efforts to ease tensions with the United States. The announcement was made late Tuesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House to resolve the dispute over Israel's construction plans in East Jerusalem. The White House made no statement afterward and kept photographers away from the talks, an unusual step for a visit of a key U.S. ally. Advisers of both leaders were to continue discussions Wednesday. The Obama administration condemned Israel earlier this month for announcing plans to build 1,600 homes for Jews in East Jerusalem, which is claimed by Palestinians as a future capital. Israeli officials on Wednesday downplayed the latest announcement to build 20 apartments at the site of an old hotel, calling the move a procedural step in a project that technically was approved last year. Israel captured East Jerusalem in a 1967 war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally. Mr. Netanyahu declared Monday that Jerusalem is Israel's capital, not a settlement. He rejected the Obama administration's assertion that building in East Jerusalem endangers U.S. efforts to launch indirect Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned Mr. Netanyahu's remarks as "arrogant," and accused him of disregarding Palestinian, Arab and Muslim rights in Jerusalem. State media said Riyadh has asked the international Quartet of Mideast peace mediators to clarify Israel's position. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .