UK and allies warn businesses against bidding on E1 West Bank projects
Statement by UK and other leaders, including Germany and Australia, warns of 'legal and reputational risks'
Businesses considering bids for tenders in the controversial E1 corridor of the West Bank have been warned of potential “legal and reputational consequences” in a joint statement issued by the UK and other allies.
The statement—issued by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the UK—notes that, in recent months, conditions in the West Bank have deteriorated significantly, with settler violence reaching unprecedented levels.
They add that “the policies and practices of the Israeli government, including the further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining both stability and the prospects for a two-state solution.”
The statement, also backed by Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, warns: “The E1 settlement development would divide the West Bank in two and constitute a serious breach of international law.”
It adds:“Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments.
“They must be aware of the legal and reputational risks involved in participating in such projects, including the potential for involvement in serious breaches of international law.”
The E1 corridor is an area of the Israeli-occupied West Bank within the municipal boundary of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim.
The statement reiterates previous calls for Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, investigate allegations against Israeli forces, respect the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the historic status quo, and lift financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority and economy.
It continues: “We strongly oppose those, including members of the Israeli government, who advocate for annexation and the forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.”
The statement concludes: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, where two democratic states—Israel and Palestine—live side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.”
Earlier this year a group of 36 diplomats urged the UK to threaten action against any companies bidding to build an illegal Israeli settlement “designed to divide the West Bank in two and destroy Palestine’s viability”.
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