EU urges Israel to halt settlement expansion
European Union leaders have urged Israel to immediately reverse plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning businesses and financial institutions against participating in construction projects linked to the developments.
In conclusions adopted at the European Council summit in Brussels on Oct. 15-16, EU leaders condemned the continued expansion of Israeli settlements and escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians.
The leaders specifically called on Israel to abandon plans for construction in the E1 area, a controversial project that could further fragment Palestinian territory and undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
The European Council also warned companies against bidding for construction contracts linked to E1 and other settlement developments.
“It reiterates that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments,” the statement said.
Companies face legal and reputational risks
The EU warned that businesses and financial institutions involved in settlement construction could face serious legal, economic and reputational consequences, citing international law.
The appeal underscores the bloc’s opposition to commercial activities that support the expansion of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
EU leaders also expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, reiterating their opposition to Israeli policies they say undermine Palestinian rights and regional stability.
EU defends international criminal court
Separately, the European Council criticized US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called on Washington to reverse the measures.
EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the court’s independence and ensuring its continued access to financial services and other resources needed to carry out its work.
The bloc said it remained prepared to take measures to shield the ICC from actions that could obstruct its operations.
International court ruling cited
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are considered illegal under international law.
In a July 2024 advisory opinion, the International Court of Justice concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory was unlawful and addressed the legal consequences of its policies in the territory.
The EU’s latest statement reiterates its opposition to settlement expansion and calls for businesses to avoid involvement in projects associated with the developments.
