The European Union has reiterated its call for Israel to cease further expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank. This statement follows Israel's security cabinet approval of a budget to establish 34 new settlements.
The EU's repeated calls highlight ongoing international pressure on Israel regarding its settlement policy, which is seen as a significant impediment to peace negotiations and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The European Union has reiterated its strong opposition to Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, emphasizing that such actions undermine the viability of a two-state solution. A statement from the EU's diplomatic service spokesperson urged Israel to refrain from further settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts, land appropriation, demolitions, and evictions.
This call comes after Israel's security cabinet recently approved a budget of 1.3 billion shekels, equivalent to $427.8 million, specifically for the establishment of 34 new settlements in the West Bank. The international community, including UN bodies, Palestinians, and most countries, considers these settlements to be illegal under international conventions, a stance that Israel disputes. These settlements are widely viewed as a primary obstacle to achieving peace in the region.