Clinton scolds Israel for plan to raze 88 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in an unusual public criticism of Israel, said on Wednesday that its plan to destroy dozens of Palestinian homes in Arab East Jerusalem is "unhelpful" and contrary to Israel's obligations under a U.S.-designed peace plan. Clinton, closing her first foray into Middle East peacemaking, said the implications of the decision to raze the homes for an archaeological project "go far beyond" the 88 homes affected by Israel's plans. She said she will raise that issue, as well as the growth of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with Israeli officials. Clinton's comments were delivered with some emotion during an appearance with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and came at a time when both sides are scrutinizing her words to try to divine where her loyalties lie and what to expect from the Obama administration. A visibly angry Abbas denounced the demolition plans, saying that "it is a clear message to us that whoever is undertaking these measures does not want peace." Despite the criticism of Israel, Clinton moved cautiously during a two-day visit that marked the beginning of her effort to push for a "comprehensive" peace effort. Clinton stressed in an appearance with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Tuesday that U.S. officials understood Israel's security concerns, and she sought to emphasize that she intends to air concerns with the Israelis only in a "constructive" way." "We are raising these issues in a way we hope is helpful," she said. Israeli authorities have been embroiled in controversy for years over their plans for an archaeological site devoted to Jewish history and sites associated with biblical King David. The homeowners in the Silwan quarter have now received eviction notices saying the buildings were built illegally and are to be torn down. The battle is part of a larger struggle for control of Jerusalem, which Palestinians and Israelis declare to be their capital.