UK Foreign Secretary Strongly Condemns Israel’s E1 Settlement Plans, Summons Envoy

The new UK Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, sharply condemned Israel’s recent tender to build 1,234 housing units in the E1 area, a politically sensitive zone between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. Miliband described the project as "unacceptable, destructive, and threatening to the two-state solution," emphasizing that it risks severing the West Bank from East Jerusalem and undermining prospects for peace. He summoned Christian Cantor, the Israeli embassy official in London, to formally express the UK’s deep opposition and demand an immediate policy reversal from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.

Miliband stressed that Britain has consistently opposed settlement expansion both publicly and privately, viewing all settlements as violations of international law. He urged Israel to halt the E1 plans immediately and cease all settlement growth, warning that continued expansion fuels violence and jeopardizes the viability of a Palestinian state. The UK plans to consider a range of measures, including sanctions, to respond to Israel’s settlement policies.

The tender’s deadline is October 19, shortly before Israeli elections, and has sparked alarm across Europe. A European diplomat noted Israel’s explicit promise to halt E1 construction, calling the tender a "red line" breach likely driven by political motives, possibly by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The diplomat warned this could prompt significant shifts in European policy toward Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected the UK’s criticism as condescending and one-sided, asserting the Jewish people’s historic right to live throughout Israel, including E1. He accused Britain of hypocrisy for maintaining colonial territories and ignoring Palestinian terrorism and incitement. Sa’ar clarified that no new decisions on E1 development have been made since 2025 and blamed the UK’s stance for increasing antisemitism in Britain.

Maale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrah defended the project, stating that E1 construction does not restrict Palestinian movement but will improve infrastructure for all residents. He called on international leaders to focus on global atrocities rather than what he termed "fake consequences" about E1. The Israeli government had approved a larger plan for 3,401 units last year, but international pressure delayed its implementation.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the tender, warning it threatens the territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territories and the two-state solution. He urged Israel to comply with UN resolutions and international legal opinions to avoid further escalation.