UK, France, Germany and Italy Reject Israel’s West Bank Settlement Expansion Plans
The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have condemned Israel’s decision to issue construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that the plan could undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the four European countries described the planned development as “unacceptable,” saying it could disrupt the territorial contiguity of Palestinian areas and make the creation of a viable Palestinian state more difficult.
The governments also warned international businesses against participating in construction projects linked to the settlement, urging companies to consider the potential legal and reputational consequences of involvement.
They maintained that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank violate international law, noting that the United Nations Security Council has repeatedly affirmed its position on the issue.
The four countries further expressed concern over what they described as unprecedented levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians, as well as restrictions affecting the Palestinian economy and worsening humanitarian conditions.
They called on Israel to immediately abandon the E1 plans and halt further settlement expansion, saying the issue had been raised with Israeli officials both privately and publicly in recent months.
According to the European governments, continued settlement expansion would move the region further away from peace and could damage Israel’s international standing.
They reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, stressing that the international community has consistently opposed settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories.
