**The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Canada issued a joint statement** on August 20 condemning Israel’s decision to move forward with construction tenders for the E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.

They called the plan “unacceptable”, warning it could undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state by dividing the West Bank and urged Israel to withdraw the plans immediately. 

They also warned businesses of potential legal and reputational consequences for participating in the project.