Leaders of seven European countries condemn Israel's decision to build the E1 settlement in the West Bank
On Thursday, leaders of seven European countries condemned the Israeli government's decision to publish tenders for the construction of the E1 settlement in the West Bank, calling on Israel to immediately abandon these plans.
When seven influential countries simultaneously raise their voices against the actions of an ally, it is not just a diplomatic gesture — it is a signal that the patience of the international community is running out. Settlements on occupied territories have remained a bone of contention for decades, undermining any chance of a peaceful settlement. And every new tender, every stake driven into contested land pushes the two-state solution further away, turning it into an unattainable dream. European leaders, who have long remained silent, are finally saying: enough.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and Canada called the move "unacceptable," warning that it would sever connections with the West Bank, violate the territorial integrity of Palestinian territories and undermine the prospects of a two-state solution. Affirming that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law and UN Security Council resolutions, the leaders noted that this decision was made amid serious instability marked by unprecedented levels of violence against civilians and severe restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
The joint statement calls on Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank, stressing that these plans will further distance the region from peace and damage Israel's international standing. It also warns companies against participating in construction tenders, citing potential legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of serious violations of international law. "We reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interests," the statement reads.
On Tuesday, Israel advanced plans to implement the controversial E1 settlement project in the West Bank, publishing a tender for the construction of 1,234 housing units. The tender, published online by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, is part of a broader plan to build 3,401 housing units in E1, an area east of Jerusalem. The E1 settlement is one of Israel's most controversial projects in the West Bank. Its construction would effectively cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, creating a contiguous bloc of Israeli settlements and making it virtually impossible to establish a territorially viable Palestinian state.
The international community has repeatedly warned Israel of the consequences of this project, but the Israeli government has consistently pushed it forward despite international pressure. The situation is complicated by the fact that the Israeli government that came to power in 2025 has taken a course of accelerated settlement expansion, prompting a new wave of criticism from Western allies, especially European countries.
As CCTV+ reports, the joint statement of seven countries is a rare example of a consolidated European position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It demonstrates growing frustration with Israel's policies and a willingness by Western allies to use not only words but also economic leverage. However, the question remains: will Israel heed these warnings or continue to act in defiance of international law, risking the loss of trust even from its closest partners?
