(BRUSSELS) - The European Union expressed deep concern Friday about Israel's plans to expand a settlement in the occupied Jordan Valley, underlining that the move would be against international law.

"The presidency is deeply concerned by this announcement," said a statement from France, which holds the EU's rotating presidency until the end of the year.

"This announcement, if it is confirmed at government level, will contribute once again to weakening the credibility of the diplomatic process underway" aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it said.

"The implanting of settlements where ever they may be in the Palestinian territories, including in east Jerusalem, is illegal under international law", the statement said.

Israel is constructing 20 housing units in Maskiot, a senior Israeli defence ministry official told AFP on Thursday, despite the international community urging it to freeze settlement activity in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

The new construction still needs the final go-ahead from Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

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