E1 settlement plans have triggered a diplomatic response from Britain over Israel’s latest housing tender in the occupied West Bank.
The UK government summoned Israel’s charge d’affaires and demanded that Israel withdraw the tender immediately. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband strongly criticised the plans during discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Miliband described the development as unacceptable and destructive. He also urged Israel to halt its plans for the E1 area.
Britain has raised concerns about the potential impact on Palestinian territory. Officials argue that the development could make a future Palestinian state harder to establish. Israel has opened tenders for around 1,200 homes across the occupied West Bank. Authorities have also approved more than 3,400 housing units in E1.
The area lies east of Jerusalem and holds major strategic importance. Palestinian officials and international critics have long warned about settlement development there. Miliband said the project could divide the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Consequently, he argued that such a development could undermine the possibility of a two-state agreement.
The British government also maintains that settlements violate international law. It says continued expansion threatens prospects for a negotiated political solution. Israeli charge d’affaires Daniela Grudsky Ekstein received the British government’s formal objection. She was summoned after London expressed serious concerns about the tender.
Israel currently has no ambassador in Britain. The previous ambassador, Tzipi Hotovely, completed her term in late 2025. Meanwhile, Miliband warned that Britain could introduce further measures against Israeli settlement policies. He said the government was preparing a comprehensive package of responses. Those measures could include sanctions against individuals involved in settlement expansion. Britain also plans to consider steps that could support the viability of a future Palestinian state.
The latest dispute adds to growing diplomatic pressure over Israeli settlement activity. Several European governments have previously criticised developments in the E1 area. In June, Denmark, Greece, France, Latvia and Britain issued a joint warning to businesses. The countries advised companies against seeking contracts connected with the E1 project.
They described the development as a direct threat to the viability of a Palestinian state. The governments also warned that the project could contribute to annexation and forced displacement. Britain has continued to increase its criticism of Israeli policies in recent months. The government has also focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
British Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty separately called on Israel to increase humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza. Doughty said current aid levels remained far too low. He urged Israel to allow more assistance to reach civilians facing severe humanitarian needs. The British government now faces pressure to translate its diplomatic warnings into concrete action. Sanctions could represent one possible response if settlement expansion continues.
At the same time, London has continued supporting a two-state solution. Officials argue that preserving territorial continuity remains essential for any future Palestinian state. The E1 area therefore remains a particularly sensitive issue for Britain and other European governments. Its location could significantly affect connections between Palestinian population centres and East Jerusalem.
For now, Britain is demanding that Israel withdraw the tender and stop further settlement expansion. However, Israel has yet to indicate whether it will change course. The diplomatic dispute could intensify if construction plans continue. Further British measures may follow if Israel proceeds with the E1 development.
The issue also highlights wider disagreements between Britain and Israel over settlements, Gaza and the future of the Palestinian territories.
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