Six European leaders condemn Israeli settlement draft in West Bank

The leaders of six European countries on Thursday (20/8) condemned the Israeli government’s decision to issue tenders for the construction of the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, and called on Israel to immediately withdraw the plan.

In a joint statement released by the Élysée Palace, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom described the move as “unacceptable” and warned that it would sever the West Bank, undermine the contiguity of Palestinian territory, and weaken the prospects for a two-state solution.

While reaffirming that Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the leaders noted that the decision was taken amid a highly volatile situation marked by unprecedented levels of violence against civilians and severe restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

The joint statement urged Israel to end the expansion of its settlements in the West Bank, stressing that the plan would further distance the region from peace and damage Israel’s international standing.

The statement also warned companies against participating in the construction tenders, citing possible legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involvement in serious violations of international law.

“We reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act to achieve it,” the statement said.

Israel on Tuesday (18/8) moved forward with plans for the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank, issuing tenders for 1,234 housing units.

The tenders, published online by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, cover part of a broader plan for 3,401 housing units in E1, an area east of Jerusalem.