Israel/Palestinian Territories (27 February 2024)

France strongly denounces the unacceptable remarks by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for the approval of plans to build 3,300 new housing units in several West Bank settlements.

France reiterates its condemnation of the settlement policy, which is illegal under international law, and once again calls on the Israeli authorities to refrain from any new project to create or expand settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

As France emphasized during its oral statement delivered on February 21 before the International Court of Justice in the course of public hearings on the Legal Consequences arising from Israel’s Policies and Practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, settlement activity is contrary to international law and must cease.

Continued settlement activity is incompatible with the establishment of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state. In addition to being a major obstacle to a lasting peace, this policy is also the source of violence and tensions on the ground.