Foreign Secretary’s Statement on Israel’s E1 Settlement Project Tender Launch

Ed Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has firmly condemned the Israeli Government’s recent announcement regarding the E1 settlement project, describing it as an “unacceptable and destructive act.” He emphasised that the E1 development threatens to sever the connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, jeopardising the feasibility of a two-state solution.

Firm Stance on Settlement Expansion

Miliband reiterated the UK’s stance, noting that both privately and publicly, the government has expressed its opposition to the E1 project and underscored the importance of a two-state solution as the only viable path towards achieving long-term security and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. He stated that all settlement activities undermine this objective and constitute a blatant violation of international law.

During a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Miliband made it unequivocally clear that the Israeli Government must immediately cease all plans for E1, retract the tender, and halt any further expansion of settlements. This strong message reflects the UK’s commitment to addressing the ongoing situation in the region.

Addressing Settler Violence and Its Consequences

In a further demonstration of the UK’s disapproval, the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This meeting served to articulate the UK’s deep concerns regarding the actions of the Netanyahu government and to demand an immediate reversal of the settlement plans.

Miliband highlighted the devastating impact of settler violence and terrorism on Palestinian communities, noting that the expansion of settlements and efforts to create irreversible divisions threaten not only peace and security but also the future of a viable Palestinian state. He asserted that Britain will not passively observe the erosion of the Two-State Solution.

Future Measures to Support Peace

Looking ahead, Miliband announced that the UK government will outline a comprehensive array of measures in the coming weeks aimed at responding to the policies of the Israeli government. These measures will focus on safeguarding the viability of a Palestinian state, implementing targeted sanctions against individuals involved in illegal settlement expansion, and fostering a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.