20.08.2026 22:51
The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway have reacted to Israel's publication of construction tenders for the illegal E1 settlement project in occupied East Jerusalem. The seven countries warned that the project would divide the West Bank and weaken the prospects of a two-state solution, calling on Israel to 'immediately withdraw' the plans.
The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway, in a joint written statement, reacted to Israel's announcement of a tender for the illegal E1 settlement project in occupied East Jerusalem.
REACTION FROM 7 COUNTRIES TO ISRAEL: IT WILL WEAKEN THE PROSPECT OF A TWO-STATE SOLUTION
The statement said, "The Israeli government's decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable."
Noting that the international community has long opposed this settlement expansion and has expressed serious concerns both in private meetings and publicly, the statement said, "The E1 settlement will weaken the prospect of a two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and harming the territorial integrity of Palestinian lands."
CALL ON ISRAELI GOVERNMENT TO 'WITHDRAW IMMEDIATELY'
The statement emphasized that international law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal and that this is the position of the international community, reaffirmed by the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
The statement included the following expressions: "This decision is even more concerning during a period of severe instability when settler violence against civilians in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels and serious restrictions are imposed on the Palestinian economy. We call on the Israeli government to immediately withdraw these plans and end settlement expansion in the West Bank. These plans will not only take us further away from peace but will also further weaken Israel's international standing. Companies should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They must be aware of the legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involvement in serious violations of international law."
It was also noted that the countries that signed the statement reiterated their commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution and would continue to act accordingly.
"E1 PROJECT" WILL EXPAND THE OCCUPATION IN PALESTINE
The "E1 Project" had been initiated to connect the "Maale Adumim" Jewish settlement, built near the Palestinian neighborhood of Ayzeriye, historically part of East Jerusalem but now on the West Bank side of the Separation (Shame) Wall, to the road going to West Jerusalem.
In this context, 12 thousand dunams of Palestinian land had been confiscated in 1999 to build more than 4 thousand illegal housing units and hotels in the area.
The Israeli administration had frozen the "E1 Project," which was said to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, due to pressure from previous US administrations.
NETANYAHU APPROVED IT IN 2025
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the "E1 Project," which will effectively divide the occupied West Bank, in September 2025.
With the "E1 Project," Israel aims to cut the connection between occupied East Jerusalem and Palestinian lands in the West Bank.
The Israeli government, violating its commitment regarding the "E1" Jewish settlement project, had published the first tender notice for 1234 housing units without prior notification to the parties who objected.