Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Seven Western Nations Condemn Israel's E1 West Bank Settlement Push
Seven Western countries criticized Israel’s plan to build in an area called E1.
E1 is between East Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim.
The countries say new construction could split the West Bank into separate northern and southern parts.
They believe this would make creating an independent Palestinian state much harder.
They also said Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories violate United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The warning comes during a period of serious unrest and settler violence in the West Bank.
The countries asked Israel to cancel the construction tenders.
They also told private companies not to bid for the work.
The countries said a two-state solution is still the best path to long-term peace and security.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway called Israel’s E1 settlement tenders “unacceptable.”
The nations warned that the project could permanently undermine the viability of a two-state solution.
The 12-square-kilometre E1 corridor lies between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim.
They said construction could divide the northern and southern West Bank and breach international law.
The coalition urged Israel to withdraw the tenders and warned companies of legal and reputational risks.
- Who
- The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway condemned Israel’s E1 settlement plan.
- What
- The seven countries opposed Israel’s publication of construction tenders for the E1 West Bank settlement project.
- When
- The joint warning was issued on August 20, 2026, and reported on August 21, 2026.
- Where
- The E1 corridor is a 12-square-kilometre area between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim in the West Bank.
- Why
- The countries said the project could fragment the West Bank, violate international law, and undermine a two-state solution.
Seven Western Governments
Israeli Authorities
E1 construction
Seven Western Governments
The seven governments called the publication of construction tenders “unacceptable” and demanded their withdrawal.
Israeli Authorities
Israeli authorities published construction tenders for the E1 settlement project, though the article does not provide their stated justification.
Impact on peace
Seven Western Governments
The governments warned that construction could fragment the West Bank and permanently damage the viability of a two-state solution.
Israeli Authorities
Israeli authorities are proceeding with the project, but the article does not report their position on its effect on peace negotiations.
Private-sector participation
Seven Western Governments
The governments urged companies not to bid, citing potential legal and reputational risks and possible complicity in violations of international law.
Israeli Authorities
The tenders were made available to private contractors, but the article does not include a response from participating or prospective companies.
- E1 area
- A strategic 12-square-kilometre corridor between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim.
- Condemning countries
- The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway.
- Israeli action
- Israel published construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.
- Main concern
- The expansion could sever the northern West Bank from the south.
- Legal position
- The seven nations cited United Nations Security Council resolutions stating that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal.
- Business warning
- Private companies were urged not to participate because of potential legal and reputational risks.
- Requested response
- The coalition called for the tenders to be withdrawn and further West Bank settlement expansion to stop.