WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States said on Wednesday that Israel's plan to construct a new settlement on the West Bank would violate its obligations under the road map for peacemaking.

    "The U.S. calls on Israel to meet its road map obligations and avoid taking steps that could be viewed as predetermining the outcome of future negotiations," State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said.

    "We are seeking an explanation from the Israeli government regarding this development," Gallegos said.

    The Israeli government said on Tuesday it had approved a new settlement in the West Bank to house former Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip.

    Israel agreed in 2003 to the road map sponsored by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia in an effort to guide Israel and the Palestinians into an agreement that establishes a Palestinian state.

    Israel made the announcement when U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is expected to visit the Middle East next month to try to promote peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.