Biden landed in Amman, after spending most of the week in Israel and in the Palestinian territories, where he met with top Israeli and Palestinian officials.

During his visit to Israel the U-S Vice President offered sharp criticism of  the Israeli government, after it announced plans to build 16-hundred homes in East Jerusalem, on land Palestianins want as part of a Palestinian state.

After arriving in Amman, Biden headed for talks with King Abdullah.

The Israeli announcement has cast a shadow over U.S. efforts to re-launch Middle East peacemaking.

The U.S. vice president twice publicly scolded Israel over the settlement plan, saying it was undermining peace efforts after Palestinians agreed to U.S.-mediated indirect talks.

Palestinians say the planned construction near Jerusalem could destroy any chance of reviving peace talks,

Just this week Israel and the Palestinians had agreed to restart such talks,  through U.S. mediation,

On Wednesday, after talks in Moscow,  Abdullah criticized Israel over its settlement policy.

U.S. officials say they still hope the launch indirect talks, which they hope will lead to direct negations between the Palestinians and Israel.