David Lammy has summoned the Israeli ambassador as Britain condemned in the “strongest terms” Israel’s plan to divide the West Bank in an attempt to thwart the possibility of a Palestinian state.
The foreign secretary raised Britain’s concerns directly with Tzipi Hotovely, after the Israeli government approved plans to build 3,401 houses in an area known as the E1 corridor.
The construction would connect Jerusalem to the existing Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim and cut off the northern half of the West Bank.
Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, has said that the move would “bury” the prospect of a Palestinian state because it would leave “nothing to recognise”.
Britain will join France and other nations in formally recognising a Palestinian state next month.
• What will happen to the West Bank if Palestine becomes a state?
In a joint statement, Britain and 21 other countries, including Canada and Australia, condemned the move as “unacceptable and a violation of international law”.
Bezalel Smotrich has been sanctioned by Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities”
MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
The foreign ministers said that it would “fuel further violence and instability”. They added: “We condemn this decision and call for its immediate reversal in the strongest terms.
“Minister Smotrich says this plan will make a two-state solution impossible by dividing any Palestinian state and restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem. This brings no benefits to the Israeli people. Instead, it risks undermining security and fuels further violence and instability, taking us further away from peace.
David Lammy is one of 25 foreign ministers to condemn the planned expansion of Israeli settlements
RASID NECATI ASLIM/ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES
“The government of Israel still has an opportunity to stop the E1 plan going any further. We encourage them to urgently retract this plan.
“Unilateral action by the Israeli government undermines our collective desire for security and prosperity in the Middle East. The Israeli government must stop settlement construction in line with UNSC [UN security council] resolution 2334 and remove their restrictions on the finances of the Palestinian Authority.”