EU demands Israel cancel planned construction near Jerusalem

Peloni:  EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to withdraw a tender for 1,234 homes in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, saying the project threatens the prospects of a two-state solution by dividing the West Bank and isolating East Jerusalem. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway and other governments have also criticized the plans.  Israeli officials rejected the pressure. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar defended Jewish residency throughout the Land of Israel, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel would not accept foreign dictates and described E1 construction as a means of preventing a Palestinian state. The United States did not directly oppose the tender but reiterated its opposition to Israeli annexation of Judea and Samaria.  The tender is also facing an internal Israeli legal challenge from Peace Now, Ir Amim, Bimkom and Palestinian Bedouin residents, with the state ordered to respond by September 1.  While the US is not blocking the E1 project moving forward, the hurdle of the High Court still looms in the distance.  This remains the most concerning aspect of this pivotal project being realized.

EU demands Israel cancel planned construction near Jerusalem