WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says the U.S.-Israeli relationship is not in crisis.

Obama told Fox News Channel that Jerusalem's new settlement homes "weren't helpful" in carving out a peace between Israelis and Palestinians. But he also says Washington remains a committed ally for Israel.

Obama says the expanded settlement homes were a poor choice for Israel, but added: "Friends are going to disagree sometimes."

Israel announced Jewish settlement expansions as Vice President Joe Biden arrived for a visit last week. The move drew rebukes from Obama, Biden, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.