The United States has urged Israel to consider the ramifications of imposing travel restrictions on the West Bank.
A State Department spokesman, Sean McCormick, said Monday Washington supports Israel's right to defend itself. He said, however, Israel should consider the long-term goals of peace and security for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
His comments follow Israel's decision to suspend security contacts with the Palestinian Authority after Palestinian militant attacks killed three Jewish settlers in the West Bank.
Israeli forces also re-imposed some recently-lifted restrictions on Palestinian movement and set up roadblocks at the entrances to Bethlehem and Hebron.
Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat called Sunday's attacks by the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades "unfortunate," and designed to sabotage peace talks with Israel. He also said Israeli travel restrictions will not move the peace process forward.