UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada Reject Israel’s West Bank Settlement Plan
By VANCE SHERIFF
UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada have condemned Israel’s plan to construct about 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.
The five countries described the plan as “unacceptable” and urged Israel to withdraw it immediately.
They issued the joint statement on Thursday as concern grew over the possible impact of the project on the future of a Palestinian state.
The E1 area lies east of Jerusalem and holds major strategic importance.
For decades, international pressure has prevented Israel from moving ahead with large-scale settlement construction in the area.
However, the latest plan has renewed fears that the development could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from other Palestinian areas.
Critics also warn that such a move could make a negotiated two-state solution increasingly difficult to achieve.
The five governments expressed particular concern about the timing of the plan.
“At a time of grave instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning,” they said.
The countries further warned that the settlement project could damage prospects for peace.
“Not only will they [the plans] take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing,” the statement said.
International law has long regarded Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as illegal.
Israel disputes that position and has continued to expand settlements in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the United Nations also raised concerns about the proposed E1 development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the plan posed an “existential threat” to the possibility of creating a contiguous Palestinian state.
Belgium’s foreign minister similarly warned about the consequences of the project.
The growing international criticism adds pressure on Israel over its settlement policy.
It also highlights renewed concerns that developments on the ground could further weaken the already fragile prospects for a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
