Four EU Nations to Condemn New West Bank Settlements

Britain, France, Germany and Portugal not happy with Israel

Germany and three other European members of the U.N. Security Council are preparing a statement condemning Israel's latest settlement plans in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, a European diplomatic official said Tuesday.

The so-called E4 grouping — permanent council members Britain and France, plus Germany and Portugal — is concerned that such settlements could threaten the possible two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, the official said. Details of the European statement are being finalized in New York, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because the work was not yet completed.