Seven Nations Demand Israel Halt E1 Settlement Plans Citing Threat to Palestinian Statehood
UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, and Canada urge Israel to stop E1 West Bank settlement, warning it jeopardizes two-state solution.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
2 min read
Seven countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Canada, have jointly called on Israel to retract its plans to advance the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement, the nations expressed concern that the construction tenders recently published for the E1 settlement would severely disrupt the territorial continuity of Palestinian areas, undermining the viability of a two-state solution.
Concerns Over Settlement Expansion
The group highlighted that the international community has consistently opposed Israeli settlement growth, both publicly and behind closed doors, emphasizing that such expansions are illegal under international law as reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.
They warned that the E1 development would divide Palestinian territory by creating a wedge between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim, complicating prospects for a contiguous Palestinian state.
Violence and Economic Restrictions
The statement also noted escalating violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians and severe economic restrictions in the West Bank, describing the current situation as one of grave instability.
Calls to Action
- The countries urged the Israeli government to immediately halt the E1 project and cease further settlement expansion.
- They cautioned businesses against bidding on construction tenders related to the project, citing potential legal and reputational risks.
- The statement reaffirmed commitment to a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state framework.
Background on the E1 Project
The E1 plan covers approximately 12 square kilometers between East Jerusalem and Maale Adumim and was approved by the Israeli government last August. Despite legal challenges from Palestinian Bedouins and Israeli peace groups, a tender for 1,234 housing units was issued recently, with bid submissions closing just ahead of Israel’s October 27 general election.
Since Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem post-1967, settlement construction has steadily increased, now housing around 700,000 Jewish settlers alongside some 3.3 million Palestinians. The recent surge in settlement activities has coincided with heightened tensions following the 2023 Gaza conflict.
