Former European officials urge EU action against E1 settlement plan

A group of 446 former European ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials issued a statement on May 6, 2026, urging the European Union to prevent Israel from expanding settlements in the West Bank. The appeal focuses on the planned E1 settlement, which would involve 3,401 housing units for up to 15,000 people. The signatories argue that this project would sever East Jerusalem from Ramallah and Bethlehem, effectively bisecting the West Bank and undermining the two-state solution. Israel is reportedly set to publish initial tenders for the project on June 1, with a deadline for bids on July 6. The officials have requested that EU leaders address this issue at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for May 11. They are specifically calling for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities involved in the project, including politicians, the Israeli Land Authority, and private contractors. Sanctions proposed include visa bans and restrictions on business dealings within the European Union. This coalition asserts that the implementation of the E1 plan crosses a critical red line for regional stability.