Israel opens up tenders for controversial West Bank settlement project
Israeli plans to build on the area east of Jerusalem - which would divide the occupied West Bank in two - have long been internationally condemned.
The Israeli government has recently opened tenders for the construction of approximately 1,200 new settlement homes in the strategically important Western part of the West Bank, known as the E1 area, in a move that has drawn international condemnation. This development has been criticized as illegal under international law, as it would divide the West Bank in two and isolate East Jerusalem, effectively erasing the possibility of a Palestinian state.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has denounced the tender as an "unacceptable and destructive act," urging Israel to halt the plans immediately and retract the tender. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has dismissed the UK's criticism, calling it absurd and a violation of Israel's right to self-determination. The government's decision to issue the tenders is believed to be an attempt to secure contracts before the upcoming general election, making it more difficult for a future government to cancel the plans.
The construction, if carried out, would have a devastating impact on Palestinians, disrupting their communities and isolating East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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