Israel’s plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank have faced strong criticism from European countries, Canada and other members of the international community.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Canada have jointly opposed Israel’s decision to open construction tenders for more than 1,200 housing units under the E1 settlement project.
In a joint statement, the countries described the plan as unacceptable. They said the project could further break up the Palestinian territories and make it harder to maintain a connected Palestinian state. They therefore called on Israel to cancel the plans and stop expanding settlements in the West Bank.
The countries also warned that people involved in the project could face legal and reputational consequences. They said the settlement expansion could further damage peace efforts and Israel’s standing in the international community.
The wider E1 project is expected to include about 3,400 housing units across around 12 square kilometres of Palestinian land. If completed, it would connect occupied East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim settlement area and could divide the West Bank.
Meanwhile, opposition to the plan has spread beyond Europe and Canada. Egypt rejected further settlement expansion and called for stronger international action. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also said the project could seriously weaken the possibility of a connected Palestinian homeland.
The United Nations has also raised concerns. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres was deeply alarmed by reports of new Israeli settlement outposts and the latest construction tenders.
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law by the United Nations and much of the international community.
The latest move comes as violence and displacement continue to increase in the West Bank. UN humanitarian data shows that more Palestinians were forcibly displaced through settler attacks, demolitions and evictions in the first four months of 2026 than during the whole of 2025,According to Al Jazeera reports.
Israel approved the E1 plan in August 2025. However, the project continues to face strong international opposition. With Israel now moving ahead with new construction tenders, concerns are growing over the future of the West Bank and the prospects for a two-state solution.
