Czech Republic joins international condemnation of Israel’s West Bank settlement plans

The Czech Republic has joined over two dozen countries in a joint statement condemning Israel’s plans to build new Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, citing violations of international law. 

In coordination with 26 European nations, the Czech government strongly criticised Israel’s approval of settlement construction in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, Caliber.Az reports, citing Czech media.

“The unilateral actions of the Israeli government undermine our common desire for security and prosperity in the Middle East. The Israeli government must stop building settlements,” the statement read.

The E1 settlement project envisions creating a continuous bloc of Jewish settlements that would link central parts of the West Bank with Jerusalem. Critics warn that the plan could effectively sever East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, splitting Palestinian territories into disconnected northern and southern enclaves. The Israeli planning committee has approved the construction of 3,401 housing units in the area.

The plan has sparked widespread international criticism, including from the United Nations, the European Union, and previously from the United States and other European governments. Observers argue that it poses a major obstacle to peace and to the creation of a future Palestinian state.

The West Bank is home to nearly 3 million Palestinians and over 500,000 Israeli settlers. Israel has maintained control over the territory since the 1967 Middle East war. Most of the international community considers all Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.

The current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opposes Palestinian statehood, in contrast to the UN and EU, which continue to support its establishment.

In recent weeks, several countries—including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—have announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood.

By Tamilla Hasanova