In a rare display of opposition, the UK Government on Wednesday issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israel’s publication of a tender for the E1 settlement, describing the project is an unacceptable and destructive act.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “E1 would cut across the heart of Palestine and risks separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, which would endanger the viability of a two-state solution.
“The UK has been clear privately and publicly in our opposition to E1 and our support for a two-state solution as the only way to ensure long-term security and peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. All settlements damage that prospect and are a flagrant breach of international law.
“Today, I made clear to the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar that the Israeli Government must halt E1 plans immediately, retract the tender and stop all settlement expansion.
READ: Israel issues tender for illegal E. Jerusalem settlement units in breach of promise, rights groups say
