UK, France, Germany, Others Reject Israel’s E1 Settlement Expansion Plan

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada have condemned Israel’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.

The countries, in a joint statement, described the move as “unacceptable”, warning that the planned settlement expansion could further undermine prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The E1 project, according to the countries, would divide the West Bank and threaten the territorial contiguity of Palestinian territories.

“The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories,” the statement said.

The seven countries also reaffirmed their position that Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate international law, noting that the position had been supported by the United Nations Security Council.

“International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal,” they said.

The countries expressed further concern over the development amid what they described as unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

“At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning,” the statement added.

They urged the Israeli government to immediately withdraw the settlement plans and halt further expansion of settlements across the West Bank.

“We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank,” the countries said.

They warned that continued settlement expansion would further damage efforts towards peace and Israel’s standing in the international community.

The countries also called on businesses not to participate in the construction tenders, warning them of possible legal and reputational consequences.

“Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law,” they said.

The seven countries reaffirmed their support for a negotiated resolution to the conflict, saying they remained committed to achieving lasting peace based on the establishment of two states.

“We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest,” the statement concluded.