Italy, France, UK, Germany urge Israel to end settlement expansion

ROME, May 22: Italy, France, Britain and Germany urged Israel Friday to stop expanding its settlements in the West Bank, saying the government was "undermining stability" and prospects for a two-state solution.

"We call on the government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence and investigate allegations against Israeli forces," said the countries in a joint statement.

Noting that the situation in the West Bank had "deteriorated significantly" in the past few months, the countries said settler violence towards Palestinians was at "unprecedented levels".

"The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution," read the statement.

The countries condemned Israel's E1 settlement plan -- a new construction project expected to build some 3,400 housing units in the occupied West Bank over 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles) -- saying it would be a "serious breach of international law".

"Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of participating in settlement construction including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law," the countries said.    �"AFP