Foreign ministers from 27 European countries, Australia, and Britain have jointly condemned Israel’s plans to build a settlement east of Jerusalem. The plan, known as the “E1” project, would divide the West Bank and make it impossible for Palestinians to establish an independent state.
The approval was announced last week by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and received final approval from a Defence Ministry planning commission on Wednesday. However, the move has been widely condemned internationally, with the foreign ministers calling for its immediate reversal.
The EU’s foreign chief Kaja Kallas also joined the condemnation, stating that the decision is “unacceptable and a violation of international law.” Israel has dismissed the statement, claiming that it rejects foreign interference in its internal affairs.
The E1 settlement plan would fragment Palestinian territory and limit access to Jerusalem, making a two-state solution impossible. The move has sparked outrage among Palestinians and other countries worldwide.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/eu-uk-australian-foreign-ministers-condemn-israels-new-settlement-plan-2025-08-22