The UK government has said it will announce measures against Israel over new E1 settlement plans east of occupied Jerusalem, warning that the project could effectively divide the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said he had made clear to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar that the Israeli government must immediately halt the plans, withdraw the tender and stop settlement expansion.
He said settlement expansion and settler violence were threatening Palestinian communities, peace and security, as well as the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
Tender issued for 1,234 settlement units
Israel issued a tender on Tuesday for the construction of 1,234 settlement units in the southern section of the E1 plan east of occupied Jerusalem.
The move takes one of the most controversial settlement projects closer to practical implementation after years in the approval and planning stages.
The tender covers seven settlement complexes across approximately 12,000 dunams between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim.
The plans include residential, industrial and tourism developments, alongside roads and other infrastructure.
UK warns of further measures
Miliband said the UK would not “stand back and accept the destruction” of the two-state solution.
He said London would announce a comprehensive package of measures in the coming weeks, including sanctions against those involved in illegal settlement expansion.
UK Minister of State for the Middle East Stephen Doughty also condemned the move, describing it as a deliberate act aimed at undermining a two-state solution.
The UK government has previously indicated that further measures against Israel could be announced in September.
These could include a ban on goods produced in settlements and sanctions targeting individuals, organisations and additional Israeli ministers linked to the settler movement.
London is also considering further restrictions on arms sales to Israel.
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