Denmark, European countries pushing for emergency UN Security Council meeting on E1

European countries, led by Denmark, are pushing for an emergency UN Security Council meeting next week over Israeli plans to build 1,234 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank. Israel's UN ambassador called the effort a moral disgrace, while the project faces international opposition for undermining a two-state solution.

The United Nations Security Council is preparing to convene an emergency meeting next week on Israeli plans to build in the E1 area of the West Bank, east of Jerusalem, Israel's mission to the UN told The Times of Israel on Wednesday. The effort was being spearheaded by a number of European countries, led by Security Council member Denmark. The move was an attempt to forestall Israel's tender process. The Israel Land Authority's deadline for opening tender bids on the construction of 1,234 housing units is November 19. Israel was working with its close allies on the Security Council, the United States and Greece, to torpedo the meeting. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon called the European effort a moral disgrace and proof of being out of touch with reality. The E1 project would see thousands of housing units built as an extension of the Ma'ale Adumim city-settlement, cutting off territorial contiguity between key Palestinian population centers. The Palestinians and many Western governments say the project would torpedo the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. The E1 plan was given final approval in August 2025 after years of delays. The European Union's diplomatic service condemned the move in August, and the UK cited the E1 project in announcing sanctions on West Bank settlements in September. Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition have promoted the project as a means of strengthening Israeli control.