Israel rejects UK's criticism of E1 settlement plan

The joint warning against harm to companies

Berlin and its partners also reiterated that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are "völkerrechtswidrig", that is, illegal under international law. The position was confirmed by eleven concurring sources.

The joint statement described the Israeli decision as particularly concerning in the current context: "In Zeiten massiver Instabilität im Westjordanland mit einem beispiellosen Ausmaß von Siedlergewalt gegen die Zivilbevölkerung und schwerwiegenden Beschränkungen der palästinensischen Wirtschaft ist diese Entscheidung umso besorgniserregender". The sentence highlights the combination of settler violence and restrictions on the Palestinian economy.

The context of instability in the West Bank

The E1 project, located between East Jerusalem and the city of Ma'ale Adumim, has been at the center of diplomatic tensions for decades. Its approval is considered by international observers to be a factor capable of compromising the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state.

Israeli officials argued that the plan responds to the needs of urban development and a response to demographic growth in the Jerusalem area, rejecting the label of de facto annexation. However, the move has also been criticized in the past by American and European administrations.

European reactions and London's position

The British reaction is part of a traditional line in London, which recognizes a Palestinian state and considers settlements illegal. Keir Starmer's government had previously condemned colonial expansion in the West Bank.

On the European front, France and Italy relaunched the appeal for respect for international law and the resumption of negotiations. The countries signing the joint statement also called for strengthening monitoring mechanisms for commercial activities linked to the occupied territories.

Jerusalem's response invoked the sovereign right to decide on its own urban planning and accused critics of applying double standards compared to other conflicts. The ministry defined the international pressures as "destructive" to dialogue.

Diplomatic prospects and risk for businesses

At present, diplomatic sources indicate that no immediate sanctions are expected, but the involvement of European companies could open a new legal front. Non-governmental organizations have urged businesses to avoid contracts and investments linked to the E1 project.