Story perspectives

Nine Western Nations Warn Firms: E1 Settlement Illegal, Risk Liability

5/23/2026

Left

Governments Condemn

The warning stressed that firms bidding on the E1 settlement could face legal liability and reputational damage.
Nine Western governments said Israeli settlements violate international law and the E1 project would split the occupied West Bank.
They demanded accountability for colonizer attacks and investigations of Israeli force misconduct.
The statement called for Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem and lifting restrictions on Palestinian Authority.

Right

Settlers Hoist

An Israeli settler hoisted a national flag as the Sa-Nur settlement was re-established on April 19, 2026.
Seven Western nations demanded Israel halt settlement expansion, declaring the E1 project illegal under international law.
The statement warned settler violence has reached unprecedented levels, endangering stability and a two-state solution.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition was urged to hold settlers accountable and investigate Israeli force abuses.

History

Historical Context

In March 1979 the UN Security Council, empowered by Article VII to pass binding measures, adopted Resolution 446 declaring Israeli settlements in occupied territories illegal; the vote recorded 13 in favour with Cuba and Libya abstaining. The resolution built on earlier UN efforts to curb settlement expansion and now underpins calls from the United States, United Kingdom and France for renewed diplomatic pressure.

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Governments Condemn

The warning stressed that firms bidding on the E1 settlement could face legal liability and reputational damage.
Nine Western governments said Israeli settlements violate international law and the E1 project would split the occupied West Bank.
They demanded accountability for colonizer attacks and investigations of Israeli force misconduct.
The statement called for Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem and lifting restrictions on Palestinian Authority.

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