UK condemns Israel over E1 settlement expansion project

The Israeli government has initiated a tender for the construction of more than 1,200 residential units in the West Bank under the controversial E1 settlement plan. The move, announced by the Israeli Ministry of Housing this week, represents a significant step in a broader project approved in August 2025, which envisions a total of approximately 3,400 housing units across a 12-square-kilometer area located between East Jerusalem and the Ma'ale Adumim settlement.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband strongly condemned the decision, labeling it unacceptable and destructive. In response, the UK government summoned the Israeli representative to express deep opposition and called for an immediate halt to the project and the withdrawal of the tender. Miliband warned that London is preparing to implement a comprehensive set of measures and potential sanctions if the construction proceeds. The E1 project has faced extensive international criticism, with opponents arguing that it threatens to fragment Palestinian territory and undermine the geographical viability of a future state.

Interested bidders have until October 19 to submit their proposals. The project remains a major point of contention, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissing the British objections as unacceptable.