Nine Western countries—including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and the Netherlands—issued a joint statement on February 14 urging Israel to cease settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, condemning settler violence, and warning construction companies against bidding on projects there.
The statement noted: “Over the past months, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. Settler violence has reached unprecedented levels. Israeli government policies and actions, including increased control, are undermining stability and the prospects for a two-state solution.”
According to human rights organizations, Israeli authorities have allowed settlers to operate with impunity in attacks on Palestinians. More than 700,000 Israelis currently live in illegal settlements in the West Bank.
In February, Israel approved plans to declare large areas of the West Bank as “state land.” Plans for thousands of new housing units in the E1 area, east of occupied East Jerusalem, would connect the Ma’ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, dividing the West Bank and isolating Palestinian communities across an area of 12 square kilometers.
The leaders emphasized: “International law is clear: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Businesses should not bid on construction at E1 or other settlements. They must be aware of the legal and reputational consequences of participation, including the risk of serious violations of international law.”
The statement also called on Israel to halt settlement expansion, ensure accountability for settler violence, investigate allegations against Israeli forces, respect Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites, and lift financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian economy.
The joint statement came amid escalating tensions between Europe and Israel after a video showed foreign activists being abducted by Israeli forces from international waters on a ship bound for Gaza, subjected to rough treatment. Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video mocking the activists, who were bound and kneeling in a temporary detention camp. Several countries, including Italy and France, summoned Israeli ambassadors to protest. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called the actions “unacceptable.” Israel later expelled hundreds of activists, who reported abuse during detention.
