Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway urged Israel on Thursday to “put an end to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank” and to “immediately withdraw” the call for bids announced this week for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units as part of the crucial E1 project.
“At a time when the West Bank is experiencing severe instability, with unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians and severe restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more alarming,” the governments of the seven countries emphasize in their joint statement.
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“The E1 settlement will undermine the prospects for a two-state solution by driving a wedge along the West Bank and undermining the territorial contiguity of Palestinian territories,” the statement added.
“E1 would cut the West Bank in two, separate Palestinian communities in the north from those in the south, and further isolate East Jerusalem from Palestinian territory. This would seriously undermine the viability of the two-state solution,” emphasized Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
“Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. I call on the Government of Israel to withdraw the calls for bids, suspend the E1 plan, and put an end to the expansion of settlements,” added Mr. Prévo.
In August 2025, the Israeli government approved the E1 plan, which calls for the construction of some 3,400 housing units in the West Bank, Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, in an area of 12 square kilometers between the Ma’ale Adumim settlement and East Jerusalem.
The Israeli Ministry of Housing announced on Tuesday the launch of the bidding process for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units as part of the project, according to the Israeli non-governmental organization Peace Now and reports in the Israeli press. Interested parties have until October 19 to submit bids—in other words, eight days before the parliamentary elections.
European governments also believe that decisions to expand settlements will continue to “undermine Israel’s standing on the international stage.” They insist that the launch of the bidding process for the E1 settlement construction project is “unacceptable.”
The seven countries also warn companies that might become involved. “Companies should not consider bidding on construction projects. They must be aware of the consequences, both from a legal standpoint and for their reputation, including the risk of becoming involved in serious violations of international law,” they emphasize in the joint statement.
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Source: KYPE
