VIENNA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 23rd Aug, 2026) Austria has called on Israel to immediately withdraw its new settlement plans in the West Bank, particularly the E1 project, stressing that settlement expansion violates international law and undermines prospects for a two-state solution.
The remarks were made separately by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Prime Minister and leader of the ruling People’s Party, and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger through their official accounts on X.
Stocker reaffirmed that Austria‘s position is clear in rejecting settlement expansion and considering it illegal under international law.
Meinl-Reisinger also warned that the Israeli plans move the peace process further away, stressing that the proposed construction projects should not be implemented and that no new facts should be created on the ground that would prevent the achievement of a two-state solution.
The positions are consistent with Austria‘s participation in a joint statement issued by leaders of several Western countries strongly condemning the Israeli government‘s decision to publish new construction tenders for settlement units under the E1 project, describing the move as unacceptable and a direct threat to prospects for a two-state solution.
