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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on plans for new housing units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (7 August) on the announcement of new plans to build over 2000 housing units in the occupied West Bank:
The plans announced yesterday to build over 2000 housing units in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are contrary to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution. The German Government reaffirms its opposition to all unilateral steps that jeopardise a two-state solution. We have noted last week’s decision by the Israeli cabinet to approve 715 housing units for the Palestinian population in the territories under Israeli control, alongside the approval for the housing units in Israeli settlements. However, permits for Palestinian construction projects in these territories should always be granted in consultation with the Palestinian Authority and independently of decisions on the possible expansion of settlements.
In this context, the German Government aligns itself with the statement of 6 August by a spokesperson of the European External Action Service.
Background information:
Last week, the Israeli cabinet announced the further expansion of settlements (with up to 6000 housing units), as well as – for the first time in years – 715 housing units for the Palestinian population in territories fully under Israeli control (Area C). As a result, the competent Planning Committee is responsible for carrying out these plans. In recent days, this committee agreed on further steps for an initial tranche of over 2000 housing units in Israeli Settlements.