France, Germany tell Israel to reconsider law legalizing ‘settlements’

Germany and France called upon Israel to “review” and “reconsider” its passing of legislation that prevents the demolition of Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria. 

France and Germany have called upon Israel to review its enactment of legislation known as the “Regulation Law,” which prevents the demolition of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria that are found ex post facto to have been built on private land.

“In view of the many reservations which the Israeli attorney general, among others, has affirmed once more, it would be good if the bill could soon undergo a critical legal review,” said Germany’s Foreign Ministry in a statement. “We hope and expect that the Israeli Government will renew its commitment to a negotiated two-state solution and underpin this with practical steps, as called for by the Middle East Quartet.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault made a similar demand, suggesting that Israel, at the very least, reconsider its passage of the new law.

“I call on Israel to comply with its international obligations and to reconsider this law,” Ayrault stated. “This law further undermines the two-state solution, which, as reaffirmed by 75 countries and international organizations in Paris on January 15, is the only way to bring just and lasting peace to the Middle East.”

The summit in Paris, referenced by Ayrault, called upon Israel to make concessions that would pave the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, with eastern Jerusalem as the capital.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News