The United States is urging Israel to reconsider plans to erect 3,000 more homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

White House Monday spokesman Jay Carney.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY JAY CARNEY SAYING:

"We urge Israeli leaders to reconsider these unilateral decisions and exercise restraint as these actions are counterproductive and make it harder to resume direct negotiations to achieve a two state solution."

After the U.N. General Assembly's upgraded the Palestinians' status on Thursday -- Israel said the next day it would expand settlements.

France and Britain, both U.N. Security Council members, condemned the action.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE SAYING: 1172

"I say as the French foreign minister did, that we are focused on what was announced by the Israeli government - the installation of new colonies made up of 3000 settlements with all the consequences it could have on the peace process. We want the negotiations to resume and the earlier the better."

Despite European pressure, Israel signaled Monday that it has no plans to backtrack on settlement expansion.