A coalition of Western nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, has issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli government's expansion of settlements in the West Bank. They highlighted the alarming rise in settler violence and the illegality of these settlements under international law. The leaders specifically criticized the E1 settlement project, which aims to construct 3,401 housing units and would connect occupied territories in East Jerusalem with existing settlements, potentially dividing the West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a proponent of the project, has claimed it would effectively eliminate the possibility of a sovereign Palestinian state. The coalition urged businesses to avoid bidding on construction tenders related to E1, warning of potential legal repercussions. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for Israel to halt settlement expansion and ensure accountability for settler violence. Australia's Energy Minister Chris Bowen noted that while this joint statement is new, Australia's position on settlements remains consistent. The Israeli government has yet to respond to the coalition's statement.