Beyza Binnur Donmez
16 January 2026•Update: 19 January 2026
GENEVA
The EU on Friday called on Israel to immediately halt the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that recent steps to advance settlement expansion pose a threat to peace and regional stability.
In a statement, European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the publication of the tender deadline for 3,401 housing units under the E1 plan, along with progress on construction of the so-called "Sovereignty Road," constitutes "a serious provocation."
The bloc also voiced concern over settlement plans in Atarot and Nahalat Shimon in East Jerusalem.
El Anouni said Israel’s settlement policy represents "an obstacle to peace, carries the risk of further instability in the West Bank, displacement of thousands of Palestinians, fragmentation of the West Bank, and encourages further actions by violent settlers."
He added that continued expansion further undermines the viability of a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states.
"The EU urges the Government of Israel to immediately reverse the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, following months of acceleration and intensification of approvals of new settlement plans in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem," he said.
The bloc also called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law and to ensure the protection of the Palestinian population living in the occupied territories.
Separately, Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said in a post on US social media platform X that he held a phone call on Friday, together with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, underscoring "the importance of diplomacy in de-escalation and the need to preserve regional security and stability."
