JERUSALEM (JTA) — Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat rejected the White House’s criticism of building housing in a Jewish neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday that a plan that was granted final approval in December 2012 for the construction of 2,610 housing units in the Jewish eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Hamatos would “poison the atmosphere” and distance Israel from “even its closest allies.”

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“I say this firmly and clearly: building in Jerusalem is not poisonous and harmful – rather, it is essential, important and will continue with full force,” Barkat said in a statement. “I will not freeze construction for anyone in Israel’s capital. Discrimination based on religion, race or gender is illegal in the United States and in any other civilized country.”

Barkat said the apartments in the Givat Hamatos neighborhood “that we approved two years ago will enable more young people from all sectors and religions to live in Jerusalem and build their future here, thereby strengthening the capital of Israel. We will not apologize for that. ”

The plan was published last week, allowing for tenders to be issued and construction to start. The publication of the plan was publicized Wednesday for Peace Now, two hours before a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama.

Following the meeting, Netanyahu slammed Peace Now for its timing in releasing the news, calling it “irresponsible” and saying it had timed the statement to harm his talks with Obama.

Netanyahu also rejected the criticism, saying the White House should make sure it understands the situation properly “before deciding to take a position like that.”

Peace Now Executive Director Yariv Oppenheimer said “Netanyahu has only himself to blame. He is responsible for authorizing building in sensitive areas. The Prime Minister should reserve for himself and his ministers his frustration over the destructive impact of his policies on Israel foreign relations.”