UK urges firms not to take part in E1 settlement tender or risk sanctions

British ​foreign minister Ed Miliband ​on Monday ‌urged companies ​and individuals not to proceed with bids for the ‌E1 West Bank settlement project on Monday, warning those involved in the construction of illegal settlements ‌could face sanctions. "We urge businesses and ‌individuals not to proceed with bids for E1 construction tenders," Miliband said in a statement. "They should ⁠be ​aware ⁠of legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of ⁠involving themselves in serious breaches of international law."

The ​E1 project would bisect the Israeli-occupied West ⁠Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, ⁠fragmenting ​the land Palestinians hope will form the heart of a state. Many Western states ⁠and campaign groups have opposed the project over ⁠concerns ⁠that it could undermine a future peace deal with the Palestinians.