Amidst fears of violence escalating in Gaza, the Israeli group Peace Now is warning of a major Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. According to Peace Now, the settlement of Itamar will be expanded fivefold to 675 homes. The news comes one week after Israel announced the construction of more than 1,200 new settler homes in East Jerusalem. As Israel continues to build settlements, the United States is intensifying efforts to stop a Palestinian effort for “non-member state” recognition at the United Nations. The White House says President Obama called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday in a bid to convince Abbas to delay the move.