Merz: new settlements undermine prospects for a two-state solution
World
Israel’s plan to build thousands of new homes in the West Bank has drawn sharp criticism from Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the initiative as a “major mistake” and called on European allies to issue a joint response.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has strongly criticized Israel’s plan to construct about 3,400 housing units in the West Bank. According to him, the project could complicate prospects for peace and undermine the idea of a two-state solution.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Merz described the move as “annexation” and urged Israel to abandon the plan. He also called on European partners to adopt a common position on the issue.
The project in question, known as E1, предусматривает строительство 3,400 homes on a 12-square-kilometer area east of Jerusalem. The initiative was approved by Israeli authorities in August last year.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement policy, previously defended the project, arguing that expanding settlements would prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during a visit to Israel, reaffirmed Berlin’s position and urged the Israeli government to reconsider the plans, stressing that the prospect of a future Palestinian state should not be eliminated.
He also strongly condemned violence by radical settlers following reports that several Palestinians were killed in attacks in the West Bank.
Responding to international criticism, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that foreign governments cannot limit the right of Jews to live in the land of Israel. He added that the decision to establish new settlements is also linked to the country’s security concerns.
Under international law, Israeli settlements in the West Bank are widely considered illegal. Israel disputes this interpretation and maintains that the final status of the territories should be determined through negotiations.
Currently, about 500,000 Israelis and roughly 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank. Local media report that under the current administration the process of acquiring land in settlements has become significantly easier.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Merz described the move as “annexation” and urged Israel to abandon the plan. He also called on European partners to adopt a common position on the issue.
The project in question, known as E1, предусматривает строительство 3,400 homes on a 12-square-kilometer area east of Jerusalem. The initiative was approved by Israeli authorities in August last year.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees settlement policy, previously defended the project, arguing that expanding settlements would prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, during a visit to Israel, reaffirmed Berlin’s position and urged the Israeli government to reconsider the plans, stressing that the prospect of a future Palestinian state should not be eliminated.
He also strongly condemned violence by radical settlers following reports that several Palestinians were killed in attacks in the West Bank.
Responding to international criticism, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that foreign governments cannot limit the right of Jews to live in the land of Israel. He added that the decision to establish new settlements is also linked to the country’s security concerns.
Under international law, Israeli settlements in the West Bank are widely considered illegal. Israel disputes this interpretation and maintains that the final status of the territories should be determined through negotiations.
Currently, about 500,000 Israelis and roughly 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank. Local media report that under the current administration the process of acquiring land in settlements has become significantly easier.
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