Tzipi Hotovely slams British criticism of Israel’s E1 housing project, declaring it “part of greater Jerusalem,” as London warns of a blow to the two-state vision and Washington sides with Israel.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, has hit back hard after being summoned by British officials over Israel’s green light for a massive construction project in the contested E1 corridor, which connects Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem.
“I wouldn’t tell the British where to build in London,” Hotovely fired back in an interview with the Daily Mail. “We see E1 as part of greater Jerusalem.”
Her defiant remarks came after UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Israel’s approval of plans for 3,400 housing units in the E1 zone. Lammy warned the project would “divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law, and critically undermine the two-state solution,” urging Israel to reverse the decision.
The decision, advanced Wednesday by the Civil Administration following a press conference by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has drawn sharp European criticism but found staunch support from Washington.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told IDF Radio:
“This is not a violation of international law. We will not dictate to Israel what to do… it would be very strange to say others can live in this area but Israelis cannot.”
The US State Department echoed this position, stating that Jewish construction in E1 is consistent with Israel’s security needs and aligns with the administration’s regional goals.
The E1 project, long considered a diplomatic flashpoint, is now fueling one of the fiercest Israel-UK rifts in years — while underscoring Washington’s tightening embrace of Jerusalem’s stance.
