UK summons Israeli diplomat over West Bank settlement plan

LONDON: Britain has summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires to protest a new settlement project in the occupied West Bank, warning that the plan could further undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the Israeli government’s decision to issue a tender for 1,234 settlement units in the E1 area was unacceptable and damaging.

Miliband said the E1 project could effectively divide Palestinian areas and create a territorial barrier between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He warned that such developments could make the establishment of a viable Palestinian state increasingly difficult.

Britain has consistently opposed settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories, the foreign secretary said. He reiterated London’s position that a negotiated two-state solution remains the most sustainable path toward long-term peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

According to Miliband, the UK has raised its concerns directly with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Britain has demanded that Israel immediately stop the planned development, withdraw the tender and halt further settlement expansion.

The Israeli chargé d’affaires was subsequently summoned to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. British officials formally conveyed London’s strong opposition to the settlement plan and called for the decision to be reversed.

The E1 area has long been regarded as strategically sensitive because development there could affect the territorial continuity of Palestinian areas in the West Bank and their connection with East Jerusalem.

Miliband also expressed concern over violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. He said settler violence had caused severe damage to Palestinian communities and was contributing to growing instability.

He warned that continued settlement construction and violence could create changes on the ground that would become increasingly difficult to reverse.

Britain’s latest diplomatic protest comes amid heightened international concern over developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. Settlement expansion remains one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Miliband said Britain would continue opposing measures that threaten the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state. He stressed that London would not accept developments that could permanently undermine the two-state framework.

The UK government’s intervention adds to international pressure on Israel over its settlement policy. British officials have urged Israel to reconsider the project and take steps to prevent further deterioration of conditions for Palestinians.