UK warns of sanctions over Israel's controversial E1 settlement project

LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) --The British government on Monday warned individuals and companies considering bids for construction projects in Israel's controversial E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank that they could face sanctions and legal and reputational consequences.

"The decision by the Israeli Government to open tenders for settlements in E1 is a direct threat to the prospect of a two-state solution and has been widely condemned by the international community. Today is the deadline for bids for the E1 settlement tender," British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said in a statement.

He warned that Britian had created new powers allowing to sanction individuals and companies involved in the construction of illegal settlements such as E1.

"We urge businesses and individuals not to proceed with bids for E1 construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences, including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law," said the foreign secretary.

"This UK Government will not accept the continued displacement of Palestinians and the unlawful occupation that persists," he added.

Israel advanced the E1 settlement project in the West Bank in August by issuing a tender for 1,234 housing units. Published online by Israel's Ministry of Construction and Housing, the tender covers part of a broader plan to build 3,401 housing units in the E1 area, located east of Jerusalem.

In September, 12 countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland and France, announced that they would tighten restrictions on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The 12 foreign ministers said in a statement that the E1 decision was among the developments undermining prospects for a Palestinian state and called on the Israeli government to immediately halt settlement expansion and ensure accountability for settler violence.