How Israel is expanding settlements in drive to reshape West Bank

Live updates

1. 23d ago

   International Backlash Grows as Israel Advances E1 Settlement Plan

   Israel is moving forward with the E1 settlement project in the West Bank by publishing construction tenders, triggering widespread international condemnation. The plan is viewed by critics as a move to reshape the West Bank that could bury the possibility of a two-state solution. While the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European nations have slammed the project, the United States has expressed opposition to West Bank annexation without specifically condemning the E1 plan. In response, the UK is considering a sanctions regime to ban trade with Israeli settlements.

   Why it matters

   The E1 area is a strategic corridor of land in the West Bank. Settlement expansion here is seen as a barrier to creating a contiguous Palestinian state. This development increases diplomatic tension between Israel and its traditional Western and Arab allies.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel has published construction tenders for the E1 settlement project.
   • France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have condemned the E1 settlement project.
   • Canada and several European powers have expressed condemnation of the new settlement plans.
   • Jordan, Turkey, and the UAE have condemned the E1 settlement plan.
   • Eight Muslim and Arab countries have issued condemnations of the E1 project.
   • The US opposes West Bank annexation but has not condemned the E1 plan.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The UK is mulling a sanctions regime to ban trade with Israeli settlements.
   • The UK is weighing new sanctions to cut commercial links with West Bank settlements based on an ICJ opinion.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcement of UK trade sanctions against settlements
   • Israeli government response to the coordinated international rebukes
   • Further construction milestones or tender awards for the E1 project
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Al Jazeera — Palestinians condemn Israeli step to advance illegal E1 settlement plan
   2. BBC — How Israel is expanding settlements in drive to reshape West Bank
   3. Al Jazeera — Why Israeli tenders for illegal E1 West Bank settlement prompted outrage
   4. France 24 — France, Germany, UK and Italy slam Israel's 'E1' West Bank settler project
   5. CNN — Israel moves forward with internationally condemned settlement plan that could ‘bury’ two-state solution
   6. Bloomberg.com — European Powers Rebuke Israel Over West Bank Settlement Plan
   7. Ynetnews — From Australia to Germany: Growing global pressure on Israel
   8. The Times of Israel — US stresses opposition to Israeli West Bank annexation but avoids condemning E1 plan
   9. Bloomberg.com — UK Mulls Sanctions Regime to Ban Trade With Israeli Settlements
   10. Al Jazeera — Europe, Canada condemn Israeli plans for new West Bank settlement
   11. pm.gc.ca — Joint statement on Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project
   12. The Jerusalem Post — Jordan, UAE, Turkey, other countries condemn E1 settlement plan
   confidence 90%