Trump Supports the Truth: How U.S. Officials Explain Pompeo’s Settlements Statement

An official at the U.S. Embassy in Israel outlined some of the thinking behind Washington's recent policy shift on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, saying the U.S. encouraged the parties to "find a solution that works for both sides" and that at the heart of the President Donald Trump's involvement was his belief that "truth must be the foundation of any resolution."

No comment was made on any coordination between Israel and the Trump administration on the decision to rescind a 1978 legal opinion holding that civilian settlements in the occupied territories are “inconsistent with international law,” which U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Monday.

The embassy official's answers to queries by Haaretz are below. 

Was there any coordination with Israel?

I will not comment on what discussions the Administration has had.