Trump warns Israel against new settlements

President Donald Trump has warned Israel that constructing new settlements "may not be helpful" to Middle East peace efforts, striking a tougher line with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Trump has been perceived as sympathetic to the settlements, which are considered illegal by most of the international community.

Shortly before taking office, he vigorously criticised the Obama administration for not vetoing a United Nations Security Council measure condemning settlements.

But in a statement on Thursday, the White House said: "While we don't believe the existence of settlements is an impediment to peace, the construction of new settlements or the expansion of existing settlements beyond their current borders may not be helpful in achieving that goal."

The US statement came hours after Netanyahu vowed to establish the first new West Bank settlement in over two decades "as soon as possible," promising to make up for the court-ordered demolition of the illegal settler outpost of Amona.

Amona is the largest of about 100 unauthorised outposts erected in the West Bank without formal permission but with tacit Israeli government support. It witnessed violent clashes 11 years ago when police demolished nine homes found to have been built on private Palestinian land.

The Supreme Court last year determined that the entire outpost was built illegally and ordered it demolished.

Trump is scheduled to meet with his Israeli counterpart at the White House on February 15.