Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat have warned that Israeli plans to build hundreds more homes in illegal Jewish settlements could put US-led peace efforts in peril.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned the US on Thursday night to block the construction.

Israeli officials have said the new units in the West Bank and east Jerusalem will be announced next week.

In a late-night meeting with US envoy Martin Indyk, Mr Abbas "asked for US intervention to stop the Israeli government from issuing new settlement decisions in order to save the peace process and the American efforts," Mr Erekat said.

The planned Israeli announcement will almost certainly spark a crisis in the peace talks, which resumed last July after a nearly five-year break.

Under heavy pressure from US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Palestinians were forced to drop a demand for a complete halt in settlement construction, but extensive development was not expected.

The new construction plans include 600 new homes in Ramat Shlomo, an orthodox enclave in east Jerusalem, and roughly 800 additional homes in the West Bank, according to an Israeli official.

Mr Kerry has previously urged the Israelis to show restraint.

He said recently that the construction raised questions about Israel's commitment to peace and last month US pressure forced Israel to abruptly halt another settlement plan.

The European Union has also urged Israel not to announce any more construction, saying it would hold Israel responsible for any breakdown in the talks.

The Israeli official said that Mr Netanyahu is well aware of the international opposition but had no intention of reversing course.

Mr Erekat said officials had advised Mr Abbas to resume a policy of joining the UN and other international organisations in the absence of a peace deal.

"This is the only response. There is no use with this Israeli government," he said.

Israel objects to this strategy, claiming it as an attempt to circumvent the negotiating process.

In particular, it fears the Palestinians will seek membership in the International Criminal Court and press war crimes charges against Israelis.