Seven Leaders Urge Israel to Drop E1 Settlement Tender Plans

Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom urged Israel on Aug. 20 to withdraw its decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.

Releasing a joint statement, the leaders called the decision “unacceptable” and warned that E1 would damage prospects for a two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and harming territorial contiguity in the Palestinian Territories.

They described Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law, a position they said has been reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.

The leaders also noted that there is instability in the West Bank because of the violence by the settlers against civilians and severe constraints on the Palestinian economy.

The businesses are not supposed to bid on the tenders, the leaders noted, adding that the businesses can face various consequences including those relating to violations of international law.

The leaders called on Israel to end settlement expansion and reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

The E1 project located to an area of the West Bank that lies between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. More than 3,400 housing units in the area were approved by Israeli authorities in August 2025, according to the United Nations.

The project has faced international opposition because of its location. The U.N. has said development in E1 would separate the northern and southern West Bank and have serious consequences for Palestinian territorial contiguity.