The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said on Sunday 15 November that he was “deeply worried” by the Israeli authorities’ decision to open the bidding process for the construction of 1,257 housing units for an entirely new settlement at Givat Hamatos, and he called upon the authorities to reverse their decision.
According to the High Representative, this new settlement is at a “key location” between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the “occupied West Bank”. “Any settlement construction will cause serious damage to the prospects for a viable and contiguous Palestinian State and, more broadly, to the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution in line with internationally agreed parameters and with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states”, he warned.
If it is built, Givat Hamatos would be the first new Jewish neighbourhood in East Jerusalem in 20 years and, together with Gilo, would then completely encircle the Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Safafa.
Mr Borrell emphasised that the announced settlement activities will lead to the continuing weakening of efforts to rebuild trust and confidence between the parties, which is necessary for an eventual resumption of meaningful negotiations. “The Government of Israel should instead show vision and responsibility and reverse these negative decisions at this critical and sensitive time”, he argued. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)