4 EU nations to condemn latest Israel settlements

PARIS: A European diplomat says Germany and three other European members of the UN Security Council are preparing a statement condemning Israel’s latest settlement plans in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The so-called E4 grouping — Britain, France, Germany and Portugal — has expressed concerns that such activities could threaten the possible two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
The diplomat said the details of the joint statement are being finalized. He spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the work was not yet completed.
On Monday, Israel said it was pushing forward with plans to build 1,500 apartments in east Jerusalem — the Palestinians’ hoped-for capital.