Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn the Israeli government’s decision to publish tenders for the construction of new settlements in the E1 area, in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement, the four European countries define the choice as “unacceptable” and ask Israel to immediately withdraw the plans, also warning companies of the possible legal risks linked to participation in the works.
“The international community has long opposed this expansion of settlements and has expressed its serious concerns both privately and publicly”, reads the note also released by Palazzo Chigi. According to the four governments, the implementation of the E1 project “will compromise the prospect of a two-state solution, creating a fracture in the West Bank and jeopardizing the territorial continuity of the Palestinian Territories”.
Why the E1 project is so controversial
E1 is an area of the West Bank located between East Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. For years, construction projects in the area have been at the center of international criticism because an expansion of the settlements would risk interrupting the territorial continuity between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank, making the creation of a territorially contiguous Palestinian state even more difficult.
This is precisely the point highlighted by Rome, Paris, Berlin and London. “International law clearly establishes that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal”, say the four countries, recalling that this position has also been reiterated by the United Nations Security Council. Israel disputes this interpretation and claims historical and biblical ties to the territory.
The project also comes at a time of high tension in the West Bank. In the joint statement, the four governments speak of “unprecedented levels of settler violence against civilians” and heavy restrictions weighing on the Palestinian economy.
The warning to businesses
Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom therefore call on the Israeli government to “immediately revoke these plans and put an end to settlement expansion in the West Bank”, arguing that these initiatives further distance the prospect of peace and damage Israel’s international reputation.
The note also contains an explicit warning to companies potentially interested in the works. According to the four countries, companies should not participate in the tenders and should take into account the possible “legal and reputational consequences”, including the risk of being involved in serious violations of international law.
Finally, the four governments reiterate their support for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” based on the two-state solution, ensuring that they will continue to act in this direction.