Germany Urges Israel to Halt West Bank Settlement Expansion
Berlin condemns Israel’s approval of over 3,400 new housing units in the contentious “E1” corridor between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem.
Germany has called on Israel to immediately stop its plans for large-scale settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move risks severing the territory and blocking any future two-state solution. The announcement came after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed that work would begin on the long-delayed “E1” settlement project, which would link Maale Adumim to Jerusalem and effectively split the West Bank in two.
Berlin’s Rejection
In a statement on Friday, the German Foreign Ministry said it “firmly rejects” Israel’s settlement plans, stressing that such construction “violates international law and UN Security Council resolutions” and undermines “steps towards a negotiated two-state solution and an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank.”
The ministry also warned that the E1 expansion would cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, severely restricting Palestinian movement and territorial continuity.
Israel’s Settlement Push
Finance Minister Smotrich, a leading figure in Israel’s far-right coalition, announced Thursday that his office had approved the construction of 3,401 settler housing units between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem. His spokesperson said the move would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state,” framing it as a strategic measure to solidify Israeli control over the area.
The E1 plan has been delayed for years amid international opposition, with critics warning it would be a fatal blow to peace efforts.
International and Legal Context
The United Nations and most of the international community consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention. The UN’s human rights office has also stated that the E1 project breaches international law.
Germany’s call adds to growing global criticism of Israel’s settlement policy, which opponents say entrenches occupation and fuels tensions. Proponents within Israel argue the projects strengthen security and prevent the emergence of a hostile Palestinian state.