European heads of government have rejected the Israeli government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the West Bank, describing the move as “unacceptable.”
The leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Israel’s action.
They pointed to the firm opposition of the international community, which has long objected to the expansion of settlements and voiced serious concerns both privately and publicly.
The leaders said the E1 settlement project would weaken prospects for a two-state solution, sow discord across the West Bank and undermine the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian territories.
“International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal.
“This is the position of the international community, reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council,” the statement read.
The Western leaders said the project was particularly alarming amid instability in the West Bank, citing unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians and restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
They urged Israel to halt the planned construction and further expansion of settlements, warning that continuing the project would derail peace efforts and “further undermine” Israel’s international standing.
The European capitals also warned developers of potential legal consequences, including the risk of breaching international law, and reiterated their commitment to a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister, Maxime Prévot, said the launch of tenders for more than 1,200 housing units in the E1 area would jeopardise the prospects for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
He said the E1 project would split the West Bank, separating the northern and southern parts of the territory, while further isolating East Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian territory and undermining the viability of a two-state solution.
“Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law,” Prévot said, urging Israel to withdraw the tenders, halt the E1 project and stop further settlement expansion.
European leaders condemn Israel’s West Bank settlement project