UK, France, Germany and Italy urge Israel to halt West Bank settlement expansion

The UK, France, Germany and Italy have jointly urged the Israeli government to immediately halt plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move would further undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

In a joint statement, the four European countries condemned Israel’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, describing it as “unacceptable”.

The governments said the planned settlement would “drive a wedge through the West Bank” and damage the territorial contiguity of Palestinian territories, making the establishment of a viable Palestinian state more difficult.

“International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal,” the statement said, adding that this position has been reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.

The four countries also expressed concern over the deteriorating security and economic situation in the West Bank, citing what they described as unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

“We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank,” they said.

The statement also warned businesses against participating in the construction tenders, saying companies should consider the potential legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involvement in what the governments described as serious breaches of international law.

The UK, France, Germany and Italy reiterated their support for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace” based on a two-state solution, saying they would continue to act in its interest.

The E1 area, east of Jerusalem, has long been a major point of international concern because development there could significantly affect the territorial continuity of the West Bank.