European Powers Condemn Israel's West Bank Housing Plans, Threaten Sanctions

France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy announced on Thursday that they are considering measures against Israel following the government's tender to build 1,234 housing units in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband summoned Christian Cantor, the Israeli embassy official in London, to reprimand him, calling the move "destructive" and warning it jeopardizes the viability of a two-state solution by creating a barrier in the West Bank. In a joint statement, the European powers accused Israel of violating explicit promises not to advance construction in this strategic zone. The UK indicated that in the coming weeks it will introduce a series of responsive actions, including targeted sanctions against those involved in settlement expansion.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who supports the plan, sharply criticized the European response during a ceremony in the northern Samaria settlement of Kadim. He declared, "The British mandate in the Land of Israel has ended; we will not accept dictates from foreign countries." Smotrich confirmed the tender aims to connect Jerusalem with Maale Adumim and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, adding he refuses to be intimidated by threats of sanctions. He also used the occasion to challenge "Together" party leader Gadi Eizenkot to clarify whether he condemns foreign governments' "blatant interference" and whether he would commit to maintaining the settlements and outposts in the West Bank if elected prime minister.

The decision to advance construction comes about two months before Israel's elections, a timing European diplomats described as problematic and indicative of internal political motives.