The European Union (EU) urged Israel on Oct. 23 to withdraw its E1 housing tender, warning the project could fragment the West Bank and weaken prospects for a Palestinian state.
At a daily press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said construction would “split the West Bank into two” and isolate East Jerusalem. The tender covers plans for more than 1,200 homes.
The EU’s stated position is that Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including in E1, are illegal under international law. El Anouni cited growing instability and record levels of settler violence in the territory.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said on Oct. 19 that Britain could sanction individuals and companies involved in settlement construction, and urged potential bidders to stay out of the project. The warning to prospective E1 bidders also cited legal and reputational risks.
