Seven Western Countries Condemn Israel’s E1 Settlement Construction Plans

Seven Western countries, excluding the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway, jointly condemned Israel’s decision to issue a tender for building 1,234 housing units in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. The statement, released on January 23, 2024, called on Israel to immediately reverse the move and halt settlement expansion in the West Bank. The countries emphasized that the international community has long opposed construction in E1, expressing serious concerns both publicly and privately.

They warned that implementing the plan would damage prospects for a two-state solution by creating a barrier in the central West Bank and undermining the territorial continuity of Palestinian areas. The statement reaffirmed that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, a position supported by the UN Security Council. The countries also highlighted the worsening instability in the West Bank, unprecedented settler violence against civilians, and severe restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

The statement cautioned construction companies and business entities against participating in the tender, noting potential legal and reputational consequences, including involvement in serious violations of international law. The seven countries reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution and pledged to continue efforts to promote it.