Australia Among 21 Nations Criticizing Israel's Unlawful West Bank Settlement Proposal

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Australia is part of a coalition of 21 nations that have jointly criticized Israel’s approval of a significant settlement project in the West Bank, labeling it “unacceptable” and a “violation of international law”.

Palestinian advocates and rights organizations argue that the initiative could undermine ambitions for a future Palestinian state by effectively bisecting the West Bank.

This plan has faced significant criticism as a violation of international law that endangers a two-state solution, with Smotrich himself declaring last week that it would “bury” the notion of a Palestinian state.

A long wall with buildings in the background

Development on the sensitive portion of land has been under consideration by Israel for more than two decades. Source: AP / Ohad Zwigenberg

‘Unacceptable and a violation of international law’

The joint statement was signed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her counterparts from 20 countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The ministers said the decision by the Israeli higher planning committee to approve plans for settlement construction in the E1 area is “unacceptable and a violation of international law.”

“We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in the strongest terms,” the statement reads.

The ministers said Smotrich’s claim that the plan will make a two-state solution impossible, by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem, brings “no benefits to the Israeli people”.

“Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace.”

The ministers emphasized that the Israeli government still has the chance to halt the plan’s progress and urged it to “urgently retract” the decision.

“Unilateral action by the Israeli government undermines our collective desire for security and prosperity in the Middle East,” they said.

“The Israeli government must stop settlement construction in compliance with UNSC Resolution 2334 and lift their financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority.”

What is the E1 settlement plan?

The plan seeks to build around 3,400 homes on the ultra-sensitive tract of land, which lies between Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim.

The E1 development has been contemplated for over twenty years but was previously halted due to pressure from the United States under past administrations.

All of Israel’s settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission.

The Palestinian Authority has criticised the decision, along with the United Nations.

Philippe Lazzarini, who leads the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expressed that the project would “completely cut off the northern and central West Bank from the southern West Bank — resulting in a lack of territorial contiguity”.

‘Immediate independent foreign media access’

Overnight, Australia also joined 26 other countries in signing a statement demanding Israel allow international journalists access to Gaza and for the protection of journalists in the enclave.

The UK, New Zealand, France, Italy and Ukraine are among the other countries to have signed the joint statement.

“In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza,” they said.

“Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.”

— With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse