BRUSSELS( The COW News Digital) European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has strongly criticized Israel’s plan to advance the E1 settlement in the West Bank, saying it violates international law and undermines prospects for a two-state solution.
The controversial plan, announced by Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, involves the construction of a long-delayed settlement that would effectively divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory. This move has sparked concerns among international observers about the viability of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.
In a statement issued Thursday, Kallas said, “The decision of Israeli authorities to advance the E1 settlement plan further undermines the two-state solution while being a breach of international law.” She emphasized that settlement expansion poses serious obstacles to lasting peace and stability in the region.
“The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt settlement construction,” Kallas added, reinforcing the European Union’s long-standing position that unilateral actions in occupied territories are illegal under international norms. She stressed that such measures could escalate tensions and make the resumption of meaningful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority increasingly difficult.
The E1 settlement area, located east of Jerusalem, has been a focal point of international dispute for years. Critics argue that the settlement would sever geographic continuity between Palestinian communities in the northern and southern West Bank, making a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible. Supporters of the project within Israel argue it is vital for security and demographic purposes, reflecting deep domestic political divides over the issue.
The EU’s warning comes amid a broader wave of international concern regarding Israeli settlement policies, which many countries view as violations of United Nations resolutions and international law. Several European governments have urged Israel to reconsider the plan to avoid further destabilization in the region.
As global attention focuses on the escalating tensions, Kallas’ statement underscores the EU’s commitment to upholding international legal standards while promoting a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Analysts suggest that any further development of E1 could provoke diplomatic backlash, potentially affecting Israel’s relations with the European Union and other international partners.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, calling for restraint and adherence to legal obligations to prevent further deterioration of peace prospects in the region.
