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Italy joins European powers in West Bank settlement rebuke
France, Britain, Germany and Italy condemn Israeli plan for 1,200 new homes
Adriana Sole315 wordsEdition №90Friday, 21 August 2026 — Edition № 90
Italy, together with France, Britain and Germany, condemned on Thursday the Israeli government's decision to open bids for the construction of more than 1,200 homes in a controversial West Bank settlement plan approved last year, according to Le Monde.
The joint statement from the four European powers marks a rare coordinated diplomatic intervention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting growing frustration in European capitals over the expansion of settlements, which are considered illegal under international law by much of the international community.
The move signals Italy's active engagement in EU foreign policy coordination, particularly on issues where the bloc seeks to project a unified stance.
The settlement plan, located in the occupied West Bank, was originally approved in 2025 but had not yet been tendered. The decision to open bids for construction drew immediate rebuke from the European powers, who reiterated their opposition to settlement expansion as an obstacle to a two-state solution, as reported by Le Monde.
For Italy, the joint statement represents a notable alignment with its European partners on a sensitive foreign policy issue. While Rome has historically maintained close ties with Israel, it has also supported EU consensus positions on the Middle East peace process. This latest condemnation underscores the balance Italy seeks to strike between its bilateral relationships and its commitment to multilateral European diplomacy.
The European statement is likely to strain relations with the Israeli government, which has defended the settlement plan as part of its sovereign rights. The four countries' joint action may also put pressure on other EU member states to adopt a firmer stance, potentially complicating efforts to revive peace negotiations.
Le Monde's report highlighted that the condemnation comes amid a broader diplomatic push by European nations to assert their influence in the region, even as the United States has taken a more passive role in recent months. Italy's participation in this joint démarche reinforces its position as a key player in EU foreign policy, particularly on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern affairs.
The development is also significant for Italy's domestic political landscape, as the government faces scrutiny from both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian constituencies. The joint statement offers a middle path, aligning Rome with its European allies while avoiding unilateral action.