Belgium on Friday condemned Israel’s plans to advance construction in the E1 settlement area of the West Bank, saying the move threatens the prospects for a two-state solution and violates international law.
Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Belgium said in a joint statement that Israel’s decision to issue tenders for construction in E1 is “unacceptable.”
“The E1 settlement will compromise the prospects for a two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and undermining Palestinian territorial contiguity,” the countries said, adding that “Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal,” a position they said is upheld by the international community and reaffirmed by the UN Security Council.
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A map of the E1 area.
A map of the E1 area.
The countries also warned that the decision was particularly concerning amid “unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians” and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy in the West Bank.
They urged Israel to immediately withdraw the construction plans and halt settlement expansion, warning that the measures would further distance the parties from peace and “continue to weaken Israel’s standing on the international stage.”
The statement also urged companies not to bid on the construction tenders, warning them of “legal and reputational consequences,” including the risk of becoming complicit in serious violations of international law.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said on X that Belgium had joined the countries that consider Israel’s decision “contrary to international law” and said it “jeopardizes the hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
🇵🇸🇮🇱 (EN/FR/NL) Belgium joins the countries that find it unacceptable that the Israeli authorities have taken a decision contrary to international law, a decision that jeopardizes the hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The settlements are illegal. Our government
“The settlements are illegal. Our government continues to oppose them and reaffirms the need to preserve the chances for a peaceful and lasting two-state solution,” Prévot said.