Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the Israeli announcement of construction plans in the West Bank (Area E1)
The Israeli authorities have announced construction plans for new building units in Area E1, located east of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. This follows Israel’s announcement last week on the decision for settlement constructions in Giv’at Hamatos and Har Homa neighbourhoods south of Jerusalem. Tenders for Giv’at Hamatos have been published this week.
Settlement construction in these areas will cut the geographic and territorial contiguity between East-Jerusalem and the West Bank. Construction in E1 will sever the connection between Northern and Southern West Bank.
The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt settlement construction, to suspend the publication of tenders and to refrain from any measures aimed at the advancement of such construction plans. Settlements are illegal under international law.
We call on both parties to engage in a dialogue and to refrain from any unilateral action that undermines the viability of the two-state solution