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UK, EU Condemn Israel Tender for 1,234 West Bank Homes

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel's housing ministry released a tender for 1,234 of 3,401 approved West Bank homes.
The United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany condemned the tender and urged firms not to bid.
German Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese warned the project could split the West Bank and damage two-state prospects.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Palestinian state idea is “being erased” as bidding ends 19 October, before the 27 October election.

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Story summary

Israel's housing ministry released a tender for 1,234 of 3,401 approved West Bank homes.
The United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany condemned the tender and urged firms not to bid.
German Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese warned the project could split the West Bank and damage two-state prospects.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the Palestinian state idea is “being erased” as bidding ends 19 October, before the 27 October election.