40 countries reject west bank settlements yet do nothing beyond condemnation

Israel has opened bidding for 1,234 new settlement units under the E1 project east of Jerusalem, moving the controversial plan toward implementation. The units are part of a broader, previously approved plan for 3,401 homes.

Located between East Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, E1 would connect Israeli settlement blocs, further isolate East Jerusalem, and sever geographic continuity between the northern and southern West Bank, undermining a viable Palestinian state. It also threatens more than 18 Palestinian Bedouin communities with displacement.

European, Arab, and Muslim countries urged Israel to reverse the move, warning that it threatens the two-state solution. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada were among those calling for its withdrawal.

So far, the international response remains limited to condemnation and diplomatic pressure, while Israel continues imposing the project on the ground.