Britain on Monday called on Israel to reverse its decision to expand control over the West Bank, joining Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in criticizing the move.

“The UK strongly condemns the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision yesterday to expand Israeli control over the West Bank,” the British government said. Critics have said Israel’s move to ease settlement expansion and widen its powers in the West Bank went in the direction of annexing occupied land.

“Any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and would be inconsistent with international law. We call on Israel to reverse these decisions immediately,” the British government added.

—

(Reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Chris Reese)