The European Union reiterates its call on Israel to refrain from further expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank, including steps the EU says undermine the two-state solution. In a statement, the EU’s diplomatic service spokesperson says the EU urges Israel to avoid actions such as legalizing outposts, taking land, demolitions, evictions and other unilateral measures. The EU frames these measures as damaging to prospects for a negotiated settlement. The statement comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved funding of 1.3 billion shekels (about $427.8 million) for establishing 34 new settlements in the West Bank. The EU position aligns with the view held by the United Nations and many countries that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, and that they are a major obstacle to peace. The outlets reporting the statement do not describe any immediate response from Israeli officials, focusing instead on the EU’s reiterated position and the newly approved budget for settlement expansion.