British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday blasted Israeli plans to build homes in the E1 area, which connects Jerusalem to Ma’ale Adumim, calling the planned construction “a flagrant breach of international law.”
Lammy said in a statement that the E1 plans, if implemented, "would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution".
"The Israeli government must reverse this decision," he added.
A German government spokesman said that “settlement construction” violated international law and "hinders a negotiated two-state solution and an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank".
The remarks came after the Civil Administration approved the advancement of the E1 project as well as progress on formally recognizing the town of Asael. The E1 project was officially announced last Thursday during a press conference led by Smotrich.
The E1 plan, which has been under discussion for decades, includes approximately 3,400 new housing units. Its approval marks a significant step toward implementing long-standing development proposals in the area.
In parallel, the committee approved the deposit-stage planning for Asael, paving the way for its further development. The plan includes 342 housing units, public facilities, and supporting infrastructure — all considered essential for moving toward full legalization of the settlement.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the decision, calling it a “historic” move. “In E1, we are finally fulfilling promises made years ago. This is a defining moment for settlement, for national security, and for the State of Israel,” Smotrich said.
While European countries have condemned the construction, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said that "this is not a violation of international law."
"We will not dictate to Israel what to do, we will not interfere in the running of the country. It would be very strange to say that others can live in this area but Israelis cannot," Huckabee said in an interview with Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio).
The US State Department similarly said that the construction of Jewish houses in E1 supports Israel's security and is in line with the administration's goals.