EU, UN condemn plans for new Jewish homes in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria

The EU and the UN Secretary-General criticized Israel’s plan to build 2,500 new Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria and 566 in Jerusalem. 

The European Union (EU) condemned Israel’s authorization for 2,500 new Jewish housing units in Judea and Samaria and the Jerusalem municipality’s approval of 566 Jewish homes in northern portions of Jerusalem that were won by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.

“The announcement by the Israeli government on 24 January to build 2,500 settlement units across the West Bank, and the approval of building permits for 566 settlement units in East Jerusalem on 22 January, further seriously undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution,” said an EU spokesperson on Tuesday.

The EU spokesperson also called Israel out for going against “long-standing EU policy.”

“Continued settlement expansion, illegal under international law as reaffirmed by UN Security Council Resolution 2334, goes directly against long-standing EU policy and the recommendations of the Quartet Report,” the spokesperson continued, pointing to the objections of some in the international community.

“It is regrettable that Israel is proceeding with this policy, despite the continuous serious international concern and objections, which have been constantly raised at all levels.”

The office of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres joined the EU in condemning Israel’s approval of the new Jewish housing units, saying that it undermined the Secretary General’s vision of a two-state solution.

“For the Secretary‑General there is no Plan B for a two‑State solution,” remarked Guterres’ spokeswoman Stéphane Dujarric.  “There’s a need for both parties to engage in bona fide negotiations to reach the goal of two States, Israel, Palestine, two States for two people.”

In stark contrast with the EU and UN, as well as with the Obama administration, the Trump administration has so far avoided making any condemnation regarding the construction of Jewish housing units in areas won by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967.

Asked to respond to the new housing units during a press conference on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer replied that the Trump Administration “wants to grow closer with Israel and make sure that it gets the full respect that it deserves in the Middle East.”

“Israel continues to be a huge ally of the United States,” Spicer added. “We’re going to have a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and we will continue to discuss that.”

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News

António GuterresEuropean UnionJerusalemJudea and SamariaUnited Nations