The White House says it's seeking "clarification" on Israel's plans to build 20 new apartments in east Jerusalem.

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor says the White House continues to believe that Israeli building in Jerusalem is destructive to the Mideast peace process. He says the U.S. is urging both the Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from acts that could undermine trust as the Obama administration looks to jump-start the stalled peace process.

Vietor wouldn't say if President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the specific building project in their meetings at the White House late Tuesday.

An aide to Netanyahu says the prime minister was caught off guard by  Wednesday's announcement of the apartment projects.