The European Union (EU) today reaffirmed its position that Israeli settlements built on the Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell expressed his concern over Israel's decision to bid for the construction of new settlement units between the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

"I am deeply worried by the Israeli authorities’ decision to open the bidding process for the construction of housing units for an entirely new settlement," Borrell said in a statement.

"This is a key location between Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank," he added. "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 the internationally agreed parameters and with Jerusalem as the future capital of two states."

Moreover, Borrell pointed out that the EU has repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity, and to dismantle outposts, stressing that "the announced Israeli settlement activity 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 concluded.