State Dept. spokesman says recently announced plans for new homes 'completely inconsistent' with efforts to maintain calm; 'We are deeply concerned'

Abbas meeting with senior embassy personnel, but Palestinian official says policy unchanged and officials in Ramallah won't meet local US diplomats until consulate reopened

Premier uses Fourth of July address to vow to strengthen ties with Democrats, which are seen to have taken a hit in recent years

Former State Dept. official with ties to Blinken and Obama still needs to be confirmed by Senate, though no major opposition expected

Source says the latest flare-up in violence led to growing understanding in the Biden administration of the need for more senior diplomats on the ground