US responds to Israel’s E1 construction tender

The US State Department has stated that Washington does not support the annexation of the West Bank, following Israel's decision to advance construction plans in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. A spokesperson told Axios that a stable West Bank is essential for Israel's security and regional peace. On Tuesday, Israel issued a tender for 1,234 housing units in E1, part of a larger 3,400-unit project approved last August. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the project as unacceptable and destructive, claiming it threatens the viability of a two-state solution. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected Miliband's statement, calling his tone patronizing and asserting the Jewish people's right to live throughout the Land of Israel. The aforementioned Western nations issued a joint statement labeling the settlements a breach of international law and calling for the immediate withdrawal of the plans.