UK Threatens Sanctions Over Israeli Settlement Construction
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Great Britain has threatened sanctions against companies involved in Israel's E1 settlement construction project, according to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The UK's new powers allow for sanctions on those building "illegal settlements," with Miliband stating the construction threatens a two-state solution. The E1 plan, which includes over 3,400 housing units, has drawn criticism from European nations and the EU. The tender process in Israel faced internal debate regarding deadlines and potential election campaigning.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Britain threatened sanctions against companies involved in Israel's E1 settlement construction.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced new UK powers to sanction those building illegal settlements.
- The E1 plan aims to build 3,401 housing units between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim.
- European nations and the EU have urged Israel to cancel the E1 tender.
- The E1 construction is seen by critics as a threat to the two-state solution.
- The tender's application deadline closed on October 19, with bid opening postponed until after elections.
Great Britain has escalated its response to Israeli settlement plans in the E1 area, moving from diplomatic protests to threatening sanctions against companies involved in construction. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced on Monday, October 19, that the UK has new powers to impose sanctions on individuals and entities participating in the building of "illegal settlements" like E1, located between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. He urged companies and individuals not to submit bids for the tender, warning of legal and reputational consequences.
Miliband stated that Israel's decision to proceed with construction in E1 directly threatens the prospects of a two-state solution, vowing that Britain "will not stand idly by while the two-state solution is being destroyed." The announcement came on the day applications for the tender closed. The UK recently expanded its sanctions powers to include those facilitating serious violations of international humanitarian law, with potential measures including asset freezes and business restrictions.
The E1 plan involves constructing 3,401 housing units. A tender announced in August included 1,234 units, with another for 2,167 units. European nations view this construction as a threat to Palestinian territorial contiguity and the viability of a Palestinian state. Israel, however, emphasizes the area's importance for connecting Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim.
The tender process itself faced internal debate in Israel. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara initially requested a postponement of the application deadline, citing concerns about its use for election campaigning. While the deadline was maintained, the opening and discussion of bids were postponed until after the October 27 elections, despite opposition to the delay from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Ma'ale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrah.
This E1 dispute has been ongoing since August, when Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the criticism, stating the decision predated the protest. The European Union, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Canada, has called on Israel to cancel the tender and halt the plan, advising companies against participation. In September, US Democratic senators introduced a sanctions bill against organizations promoting the project, though it has not yet taken effect and the US administration has not adopted the proposed measures. Miliband also linked the E1 construction to broader Israeli policies in the West Bank, condemning settler violence and attacks on foreign representatives and journalists.
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