Malaysia, 6 European states condemn E1 housing tender
Companies bidding on the project were warned of legal and reputational risks as officials said it threatens a two-state solution.
Malaysia and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Britain condemned Israel's decision to issue a tender for 1.234 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the project east of Jerusalem would split the West Bank and damage the territorial integrity of Palestine. A joint statement by the six European countries also said the move was unacceptable because it weakens the prospects for a two-state solution. The tender, issued by Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing, is part of a broader plan for 3.401 units. The European leaders urged Israel to withdraw the plan and warned companies not to take part because of possible legal and reputational consequences.