4 EU States To Condemn Israeli Action

The Associated Press

Published: December 19, 2012 (Issue # 1740)

PARIS — Germany and three other European members of the UN Security Council are preparing a statement condemning Israel’s latest settlement plans in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, a European diplomatic official said Tuesday.

The so-called E4 grouping — permanent council members Britain and France, plus Germany and Portugal — is concerned that such settlements could threaten the possible two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, the official said.

Details of the European statement are being finalized in New York, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because the work was not yet completed.

The move stems from a string of recent Israeli settlement announcements, the official said, including one on Monday in which Israel said it will push forward with plans to build 1,500 apartments in east Jerusalem, the Palestinians’ hoped-for capital.

A Security Council statement, led by Europe, would mostly be symbolic, but nonetheless mark a high-profile show of displeasure with the Israelis.