Malaysia warns global firms over Israeli E1 settlement tender threatening Palestinian statehood

Malaysia has issued a stern warning to global firms contemplating involvement in Israel’s controversial E1 settlement construction tenders, which could potentially jeopardize Palestinian statehood, according to a statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a strongly-worded Facebook post, Anwar vehemently condemned Israel's decision to issue construction tenders for the E1 area, describing it as vital to the viability of an independent Palestinian state.

He emphasized that building on this land would divide the West Bank and severely undermine the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian homeland. Anwar reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, and Israel continues to act with "utter impunity." The Prime Minister's statement came amid increasing settler violence against Palestinian civilians and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, indicating that Israel has abandoned any pretense of peace or respect for the international community.

The Malaysian government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people's inalienable right to a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent state. Malaysia will closely monitor any international company participating in the E1 construction tenders and will take appropriate action, according to Anwar. Israel recently opened tenders for 1,234 housing units in the E1 area as part of a larger plan involving 3,401 units, covering approximately 12 square kilometers east of Jerusalem.

The E1 tract is feared to sever the territorial continuity of the West Bank by separating its northern and southern areas and further isolate East Jerusalem from the surrounding Palestinian territories.