Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Rejects UK Criticism Over E1 Settlement Construction

Israeli Finance Minister and Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich responded sharply to British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's condemnation of Israel's recent tender for building 1,234 housing units in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. Speaking at a ceremony marking the reestablishment of the Kadim settlement in northern Samaria, evacuated 21 years ago, Smotrich stated, "The British mandate in the Land of Israel has ended; we will not accept dictates from foreign countries." He emphasized his refusal to be intimidated by threats of sanctions and defended the plan to connect Jerusalem with Maale Adumim, calling it a move his predecessors did not dare to make.

Smotrich also challenged Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the Yachad party, to clarify his stance on the Palestinian state and whether he would oppose foreign interference or halt the E1 construction plans if he became prime minister. Earlier, Miliband criticized the E1 project as unacceptable and destructive, warning it threatens the viability of a two-state solution by disrupting the territorial continuity between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Miliband summoned Israel's ambassador to the UK to express Britain's strong opposition and called on the Israeli government to immediately halt the E1 plans and all settlement expansion.

The British Foreign Secretary, who took office a month ago, stressed that all settlements violate international law and undermine long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. He announced that Britain would take comprehensive measures in the coming weeks, including targeted sanctions against those involved in illegal settlement expansion, to protect the possibility of a Palestinian state and promote a just and lasting peace.

The tender's deadline is October 19, shortly before Israel's elections, and has sparked significant controversy in Europe. A European diplomat noted that Israel had explicitly promised European allies not to advance construction in E1, calling the tender a "red line" violation and a very negative development. The diplomat suggested that Smotrich is behind the move for political reasons and warned it could lead to a major shift in European policy toward Israel, potentially damaging Israel's foreign relations and remaining friendships.

The E1 area is highly sensitive due to its strategic location, and the construction plans have become a focal point of international diplomatic tensions amid ongoing debates about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.