Chancellor of Austria: "Israel must immediately abandon plans for settlement construction in E1"

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker demanded that Israel immediately abandon plans for settlement construction in the E1 zone and stop settlement expansion in the West Bank. Stocker called the settlements illegal under international law and stated that they harm the prospects for a two-state solution to the conflict. Austria supports the joint statement on the E1 plans.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker issued a sharp statement demanding that Israel immediately abandon plans for settlement construction in the E1 zone and stop settlement expansion in the West Bank. In his statement, Stocker emphasized that Austria's position is clear: settlements are illegal under international law and harm the prospects for a two-state solution to the conflict. He also noted that Austria firmly supports the joint statement on the E1 plans. The article references a broader context: European powers previously condemned Israel for construction near Jerusalem and threatened consequences. The Austrian chancellor's statement reflects growing international pressure on Israel regarding its settlement policy.