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Seven Nations Urge Israel to Halt West Bank Settlement Expansion
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Seven Nations Urge Israel to Halt West Bank Settlement Expansion

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Seven European countries urged Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank and withdraw tenders for over 1,200 homes.
  • The countries expressed concern over increased settler violence against Palestinians and restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
  • They warned that the E1 project could bisect the West Bank, hinder a two-state solution, and impact East Jerusalem's connection to Palestinian territories.

Germany, France, Italy, Britain, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway have jointly called on Israel to cease its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The seven nations specifically urged Israel to retract recently announced tenders for the construction of over 1,200 housing units under the controversial E1 project.

In a joint statement, the countries voiced deep concern regarding the escalating situation in the West Bank. They highlighted a rise in settler violence against Palestinians and significant impediments to the Palestinian economy. The expansion, they argue, threatens the territorial contiguity of the West Bank and undermines prospects for a two-state solution.

The E1 project, approved by the Israeli government in August 2025, plans approximately 3,400 homes on 12 square kilometers between the Ma'ale Adumim settlement and East Jerusalem. This area is Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967. The tenders were announced on Tuesday, with bids due October 19, just eight days before Israeli parliamentary elections.

Belgium's Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, echoed these concerns, calling for the withdrawal of tenders and suspension of the E1 plan. He reiterated that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. The seven nations also cautioned companies against submitting bids, warning of legal and reputational consequences for involvement in violations of international law.

Companies should not consider submitting bids to undertake construction projects.

— Seven countries in a joint statementWarning companies against participating in the E1 project tenders due to legal and reputational risks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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