European Nations Condemn Israel's E1 Settlement Construction Tenders

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on August 20 condemning the decision by the Cabinet of Israel to open construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. The project involves building approximately 3,400 homes on a 12-square-kilometre tract between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. European leaders and the UN secretary general view the expansion as a threat to a contiguous Palestinian state and the viability of a two-state solution.

The current tender covers more than 1,200 housing units and remains open for bids until October 19, shortly before Israeli elections on October 27. The European nations urged Israel to retract the plans and warned businesses against participating in the bidding process.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected the criticism, asserting the right of the Jewish people to live in the land. Meanwhile, human rights groups and Palestinian communities have petitioned the Jerusalem District Court for an interim injunction to freeze the tenders.