ROME: Italy, France, Britain, and Germany urged Israel on Friday to stop expanding its settlements in the West Bank, saying the government was “undermining stability” and prospects for a two-state solution.
“We call on the government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces,” said the countries in a joint statement.
Noting that the situation in the West Bank had “deteriorated significantly” in the past few months, the countries said settler violence toward Palestinians was at “unprecedented levels.”
“The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” read the statement.
The countries condemned Israel’s E1 settlement plan — a new construction project expected to build some 3,400 housing units in the occupied West Bank over 12 sq. km — saying it would be a “serious breach of international law.”
