France has condemned Israel’s decision to build thousands of new homes in the West Bank, calling on the country to drop a plan to build a controversial settlement. The plan, known as E1, would link Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, splitting East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank. France says this plan is “a serious violation of international law” that could “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”
The move comes after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved plans for the E1 project, which involves building over 3,000 housing units east of Jerusalem. The UN human rights office has described the decision as illegal under international law and said it could put nearby Palestinians at risk of forced eviction.
France is not alone in its opposition to the plan. Many countries, including Australia, Britain, and Canada, have expressed support for recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. The E1 plan’s approval would cap off 20 years of bureaucratic wrangling and could lead to infrastructure work and construction starting soon.
The project has been under consideration since the 1990s, with development largely frozen due to US pressure during previous administrations. However, Smotrich’s statement on Thursday was seen as a significant shift in policy, with many countries expressing concern over Israel’s plans.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250816-france-urges-israel-to-abandon-controversial-west-bank-e1-settlement-plan