EU countries are planning to issue Israel with a warning not to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, trying to avoid a diplomatic clash.
The bloc is alarmed by the Israeli unity government's plans to annex Jewish settlements in the territory, which it says would breach international law and harm the chances of peace with the Palestinians.
But there is no agreement among EU countries over what punitive action to take should Israel press ahead with the move, which has the support of US President Donald Trump.
Luxembourg's veteran Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said he discussed a declaration with fellow EU ministers during video talks on Friday.
"A very large number of countries on Friday supported a draft text that we drew up with my Irish counterpart Simon Coveney in which we warn against an annexation that would be a violation of international law," Mr Asselborn said.
He said Austria and Hungary had refused to sign the declaration, so it could not be issued in the name of all 27 EU states.
"But the fact that a very large number of countries support this line is a success," Mr Asselborn said.
The Israeli government formed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former rival Benny Gantz is due to be sworn in on Sunday, and the plan was for the statement to be issued Monday.
"We are not talking about sanctions," Mr Asselborn said. "We're talking about prevention. This text is not aggressive."
The four-point statement welcomes the new government and recalls the EU's close ties with Israel, but gives a warning that annexation would breach international law.
"The European Union wants to co-operate with neighbouring states and countries in the region and reiterates its support for a negotiated, two-state solution for a viable peace perspective between Israelis and Palestinians," Mr Asselborn said.
"There is no alternative to this solution. No one has presented another viable solution."
The EU has criticised Mr Trump's Middle East peace plan, unveiled in January, which gave Israel approval to annex parts of the West Bank.
"If we don't succeed in convincing Israel to give up its project, the hardest part will be ahead of us," Mr Asselborn said.
After Friday's talks, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he would make a concerted diplomatic push to try to steer Israel away from annexations.
But he said there were deep divisions among EU states, as some such as Mr Asselborn push for a tough line while others seek dialogue.
A European official said options for punitive measures were in place.
They were freezing bilateral agreements, suspending scientific co-operation, cancelling trade preferences and recalling ambassadors.
But adopting such measures would require a unanimous vote by the EU countries.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
A German university was a good fit for the family budget
Annual fees for the Technical University of Munich - £600
Shared rental accommodation per month depending on the location ranges between £200-600
The family had budgeted for food, books, travel, living expenses - £20,000 annually
Overall costs in Germany are lower than the family estimated
As proof that the student has the ability to take care of expenses, international students must open a blocked account with about £8,640
Students are permitted to withdraw £720 per month
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.
Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.
Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Herc's Adventures
Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
BOSH!'s pantry essentials
Nutritional yeast
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
