Press Releases
Statement by Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura on the announcement regarding the settlement construction in the West Bank
1. The Government of Japan deeply deplores that, according to information, the Israeli authority has issued settlement tenders for 450 units in the West Bank. The Israeli announcement clearly goes against the ongoing efforts by the international community toward realizing a two-state solution. Japan would like to point out the fact that Prime Minister Abe urged the Government of Israel to freeze all settlement activity during his visit to Israel last month.
2. Settlement activities are a violation of international law, and Japan has repeatedly called upon Israel to fully freeze settlement activities. The Government of Japan strongly calls upon Israel to refrain from any unilateral act that changes the current status of the West Bank and to desist from implementing the above-mentioned plan of construction for the sake of progress in the peace process.
3. Japan once again strongly urges both Israeli and Palestinian sides to act to enhance mutual trust and continue to make steady efforts for peace.