21 countries, including Israel’s supporters such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, have condemned the implementation of plans to seize more land in the West Bank of Palestine and settle Jews there. Israel has begun a project called E1 to divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s extremist Finance Minister, describes this as a project to obstruct and halt efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state. He also stated that it would erase and systematically eliminate the Palestinian state.
21 countries have issued a joint statement condemning the E1 project. “We condemn this decision and call for its reversal,” the statement said. It also described the construction of Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories as illegal and contrary to international law.
The E1 project is part of a cunning plan devised by Israel years ago. However, the project was suspended in 2012 and 2020 due to international community disapproval and criticism.
Notably
Notably, even the United States, Israel’s biggest supporter, had previously opposed this project. However, analysts believe that U.S. President Donald Trump has given approval to restart the project and colonize more Palestinian lands.
The main goal of the E1 project is to settle Jews in the area connecting the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It also aims to connect Maale Adumim, a Jewish settlement separate from East Jerusalem, with Jerusalem. This project will effectively divide the West Bank. Smotrich said that the Israeli Defense Ministry has given the final approvals needed to proceed with the E1 project.
The 21 countries that issued the statement against Israel said that the E1 project would overshadow hopes for establishing an independent Palestinian state. They also stated that it would hinder Palestinians’ access to Jerusalem.
Other countries that issued statements against Israel include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
