Germany Condemns Israel’s New West Bank Settlement Plans
Germany has condemned Israel’s announcement to proceed with the construction of thousands of new homes in West Bank settlements, according to a statement from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs released late Thursday. The ministry emphasized the negative implications of the “E1” project, warning that it would hamper Palestinian mobility, effectively divide the West Bank, and isolate East Jerusalem, reports 24brussels.
A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The German government strongly opposes the Israeli government’s announcement regarding the approval of thousands of new homes in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.” The communiqué called for the cessation of such construction, citing its violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Israel’s Civil Administration in the West Bank had approved the construction plan for the “E1” area, which critics argue will exacerbate tensions and entrench settlements further into Palestinian territories. The German government’s spokesperson, Johann Wadephul, reiterated that settlement expansion is incompatible with international legal frameworks.
The German government also urgently called on Israel to refrain from further actions that could lead to the annexation of the West Bank. Despite this condemnation, Germany has been a significant military supplier to Israel, issuing arms export licenses worth €485 million (approximately $564 million) from October 2023 to May 2025. This raises questions about the consistency of Berlin’s stance on settlement building and military support.
In a related statement, the German Foreign Office reaffirmed its support for Israel amid ongoing conflicts, calling for efforts to release hostages and a general end to hostilities. This dual approach of condemning settlements while supporting military action signifies a complex and often contradictory foreign policy stance from Berlin.
The recent developments underscore rising international scrutiny over Israel’s settlement activities in the West Bank, highlighting deep-rooted conflicts that continue to shape regional dynamics and international relations.
