Britain threatens sanctions as Israel pushes E1 settlement plan

Britain has summoned Israel's top diplomat in London and demanded an immediate halt to the E1 settlement project after Israel opened bidding for more than 1,200 homes in the strategically sensitive area east of Jerusalem. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called the construction "unacceptable and destructive" and warned of sanctions. The tender, published on August 18, has a deadline of October 19, just before Israel's election. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Norway joined Britain in condemning the plan, which they say would undermine a two-state solution. Israeli officials rejected the criticism, asserting the right to build throughout the land.