Key European leaders demand Israel halt West Bank settlement project

France, Italy, Britain, and Germany have vehemently criticized a major Israeli settlement project in the West Bank, demanding an immediate halt to the construction of over 1,200 homes. This plan, known as E1, aims to further isolate east Jerusalem from the West Bank, an area predominantly inhabited by Palestinians. The joint statement issued by these European leaders expresses deep concern over the decision, which they warn could have severe implications for a viable two-State solution.

They urge Israel to retract the plans and refrain from involving businesses in what they consider breaches of international law. The UN Secretary-General has warned the E1 project poses an existential threat to a contiguous Palestinian state. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called the tenders "unacceptable" and urged Israel to end the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Gideon Saar dismissed Miliband's comments, accusing the UK of blaming Israel while ignoring Palestinian extremism, which he claimed fuels antisemitic attacks. Israel approved the E1 project in August last year, with construction set to commence on a 12-square-kilometer parcel of land east of Jerusalem. The tender for the housing units is due for submission on October 19, just before Israel's upcoming elections.