European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on the 21st local time that the Israeli government's decision to issue a construction tender for the 'E1' settlement project in the West Bank is 'unacceptable.' She said the EU has long opposed this move because the project would divide the West Bank, undermine the contiguity of Palestinian territory, and thereby undermine the 'two-state solution.'
On the 18th, the Israeli government issued a tender notice for 1,234 housing units in the 'E1' settlement project. In August 2025, Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich issued a statement saying he planned to approve the construction of 3,401 housing units in 'E1,' aimed at 'burying the idea of a Palestinian state.' Subsequently, the high-level planning committee of the Civil Administration under the Israeli Ministry of Defense approved this housing construction plan.
On the 20th, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Israel's 'E1' settlement construction plan and urging the Israeli government to immediately withdraw it.
Source: CCTV.com | Original
