UN, Europe, Arab nations slam bid to resume building in contentious E1 area; US issues vague statement; Smotrich says move a response to Western push for Palestinian state. Europe, Arab countries and the United Nations, alongside Israeli rights groups, on Thursday assailed a government plan to greenlight the construction of thousands of Israeli homes in a contentious area of the West Bank, after the move was announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The far-right politician said that he intends to approve tenders to build more than 3,000 housing units in the controversial E1 settlement project between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, a plan that he claimed Thursday “buries the idea of a Palestinian state.”
The UN called on Israel to reverse its decision, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday. “It would put an end to prospects of a two-state solution,” he told reporters. “Settlements go against international law… further entrench the occupation.” The EU urged Israel “to desist” from its plan, with top diplomat Kaja Kallas saying in a statement, “The decision of Israeli authorities to advance the E1 settlement plan further undermines the two-state solution while being a breach of international law.” The plan was also condemned by British Foreign Minister David Lammy, who said it marked a breach of international law and must be stopped immediately. Ed note: The E1 area is located within the West Bank, and is an area of only about 4.6 miles, and the Jew must fight for it. It's their land!) (Read More)
