France condemns Israel’s West Bank settlement plan

France urged Israel to abandon its plan to construct thousands of new homes in the occupied West Bank, claiming the proposal is “a serious violation of international law,” as reported by France 24 via AFP and AP on August 16th.

The French foreign ministry condemned the project in a statement, warning it would jeopardise any prospect of peace. While countries were reluctant to initially recognise the state of Palestine, France was the first to break from timid responses and declare its intention to recognise the state.

The settlement, known as E1, lies east of Jerusalem and has been under debate for over twenty years. The plan involves over 3,000 housing units on one of the last open tracts linking Ramallah and Bethlehem.

Critics argue that development here would physically split the West Bank, effectively severing East Jerusalem from Palestinian territory and making a two-state solution impossible.

“France strongly condemns the decision by the Israeli authorities to approve the E1 settlement project,” the ministry said. “Its implementation would cut the West Bank in two and seriously undermine the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians. France reiterates its condemnation of settlement activity and all the tensions and violence it provokes.”

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who approved the project, celebrated the move as one that would remove the prospect of a Palestinian state. He applauded US President Donald Trump and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee as “true friends of Israel.”

The UN human rights office has also denounced the settlement, declaring it illegal under international law and warning it could force Palestinians from their homes – an act the UN said constitutes a war crime.

After two decades of delays, the plan is now nearing its development. The planning committee dismissed all objections to the project on August 6th, according to the rights group Peace Now. Experts say infrastructure could begin within months and housing construction in about a year, pending final approval on August 20th.

France 24 via AFP & AP, Maghrebi.org