The British government has strongly protested Israel's decision to issue a tender for construction in the controversial "E1" area located in the West Bank.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that official London summoned Israel's chargé d'affaires to the Foreign Office, demanding the revocation of the tender decision.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described Israel's move as "unacceptable and destructive." He stated that construction in the "E1" area poses a serious threat to the future creation of a Palestinian state and the prospect of a two-state solution.
Miliband announced that he had discussed the matter with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and called on the Israeli government to halt all settlement plans.
The "E1" area, situated east of Jerusalem between the city and the "Maale Adumim" settlement, holds strategic importance. Israel announced a tender this week for the construction of 1,234 apartments across seven residential complexes in the area.
Critics of the project argue that if the construction proceeds, it will weaken territorial continuity between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank and increase the risk of isolating East Jerusalem from surrounding Palestinian communities.
It should be noted that the UK considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Official London had previously warned business entities in July against participating in construction projects in "E1" and other settlements.
