The European Commission and 15 countries have rejected Israel’s plan to issue construction tenders for the proposed E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that the initiative could further undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
The joint statement was issued by the European Commission along with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Austria and Greece.
Countries Reject Proposed E1 Settlement Project
The countries described the Israeli government’s decision to move forward with construction tenders for the E1 West Bank settlement project as “unacceptable.”
They said the international community has repeatedly opposed the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and has expressed serious concerns over their impact on regional peace and stability.
According to the statement, the E1 project could divide the West Bank into two parts and disrupt the territorial contiguity of Palestinian areas.
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The countries warned that such developments would further reduce the prospects of establishing a viable and contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel.
International Law Concerns
The joint statement reiterated the position of the international community that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are inconsistent with international law.
The signatories also pointed to previous United Nations Security Council positions concerning Israeli settlement activity.
They expressed particular concern over the settlement plan at a time when the West Bank is facing severe instability, increased settler violence against Palestinians and serious economic restrictions affecting the Palestinian population.
Call to Halt Settlement Expansion
The countries urged the Israeli government to immediately withdraw the proposed plans and stop further settlement expansion in the West Bank.
They warned that continued settlement activity would move the region further away from peace and could also have consequences for Israel’s international standing.
The statement also called on businesses to carefully consider the legal and reputational implications before participating in tenders related to the E1 project.
According to the signatories, companies involved in the project could face risks associated with participation in activities that may contribute to serious violations of international law.
Renewed Support for Two-State Solution
The 15 countries and the European Commission reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a comprehensive, fair and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
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They said they would continue working toward that objective and supporting efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The E1 area has long been viewed as strategically important because development there could affect the geographic continuity between Palestinian communities in the northern and southern parts of the West Bank.
