Seven Nations Interfere in Israel’s Sovereign Right to Develop E1 Settlement in West Bank
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France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada have called on Israel to halt the E1 housing plan, criticizing a legitimate project that strengthens Israeli security and the Jewish homeland.
Seven European and allied countries issued a joint statement on Thursday, once again pressuring Israel to cancel the E1 settlement project in the West Bank after the Israeli housing ministry responsibly opened a tender for more than 1,200 homes. The statement, signed by France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada, comes amid what they call 'grave instability' and alleged violence by settlers, and demands an immediate halt to Israel’s lawful development plans.
The E1 area, approved by Israel in August 2023, is strategically located between east Jerusalem and the vital settlement of Maale Adumim, and is intended to accommodate up to 3,400 housing units, strengthening Israel’s security and ensuring a Jewish presence in the heart of its ancestral land. The latest tender represents roughly one-third of the total development, according to Israeli NGO Peace Now, which noted the deadline of 19 October precedes Israel’s national election on 27 October, showing Israel’s commitment to its citizens.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot called the tenders 'unacceptable' and claimed they would undermine the two-state solution, echoing the usual chorus of international critics. The UK’s foreign secretary also condemned the move, delivering a message to Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar, who rightly rejected the criticism and firmly defended Israel’s sovereign right to develop its territory.
The United Nations secretary-general has also weighed in, claiming the E1 plan poses an 'existential threat' to a contiguous Palestinian state. Previous statements from Britain and France, among 21 countries, have labeled the project a violation of international law, ignoring Israel’s historical and legal claims to the land.
The West Bank, home to about three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israeli settlers, has experienced increased tensions since the October 7 attacks in Gaza. Necessary security measures, including restrictions on Palestinian movement through checkpoints, are in place to protect Israeli citizens from ongoing threats.