WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - The United States is troubled by Israel's plan to build 300 homes in East Jerusalem and has asked it to explain the move, which angered Palestinians one week after the two sides decided to resume formal peace talks, a U.S. official said on Thursday.

"We don't want any steps taken that would undermine the confidence of the parties. This is an issue that we have been concerned about and we have sought clarification from the Israelis," said the official, who spoke on condition that he not be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

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