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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday strongly criticized Israel’s decision to issue construction tenders for the controversial E1 residential development in the occupied West Bank, adding to growing European opposition to the project.
In a statement posted on X, von der Leyen described the Israeli government’s decision to move ahead with construction tenders for the E1 settlement project as “unacceptable.” She stressed that the European Commission has consistently opposed plans to develop the area.
The E1 project has long drawn international criticism because of its location in the West Bank and the potential implications for prospects of a future Palestinian state. European governments and officials have repeatedly raised concerns about Israeli settlement expansion in occupied Palestinian territories.
Von der Leyen’s remarks followed a joint statement issued Thursday by France, Germany, Britain and Italy condemning Israel’s decision regarding the E1 development. The coordinated response underscores mounting diplomatic pressure from major European powers over Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank.
The four European countries expressed opposition to the project as Israel moves toward advancing residential construction in the disputed area. Their statement came amid wider international scrutiny of settlement activity and its impact on efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The European Commission’s criticism reinforces the European Union’s longstanding position against settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Von der Leyen’s intervention also signals that the E1 project is likely to remain a significant point of contention between Israel and European governments.
Israel’s decision to publish the construction tenders comes at a particularly sensitive time for regional diplomacy, with European leaders continuing to scrutinize developments in the West Bank.
With France, Germany, Britain, Italy and the European Commission publicly opposing the move, Israel is facing increased European pressure over the E1 settlement project and its broader approach to construction in the occupied West Bank.
