The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has strong condemned the Israeli Government's publication of a tender for the E1 settlement project, labeling it an unacceptable and destructive act.
According to the statement issued on 19 August 2026, the E1 project would cut across the heart of Palestine and risk separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, critically endangering the viability of a two-state solution.
Diplomatic action and sanctions warning
The United Kingdom has maintained its firm opposition to the E1 plans and reiterated that all settlements are a flagrant breach of international law that damage prospects for long-term security and peace. In response to the development, Miliband made it clear directly to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar that the Israeli Government must immediately halt the E1 plans, retract the tender, and stop all settlement expansion.
Additionally, the Israeli Charge d'Affaires was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to face the UK's profound objections and demands for an immediate reversal. Highlighting the catastrophic impact of settler violence and terrorism on Palestinian communities, the UK government warned that it will not stand back and accept the destruction of the two-state framework.
Looking ahead, the UK announced plans to roll out a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks. These policies aim to protect the viability of a Palestinian state, target sanctions at individuals participating in illegal settlement expansion, and support a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.