RootsIsrael has given final approval for a controversial settlement project that will effectively cut the West Bank occupied by Eastern Jerusalem and divide the area into two.
Constructions in the E1 region have been frozen amid fierce international opposition for two decades. Critics warned that it would eliminate hopes for a viable, embodied Palestinian state.
On Wednesday, a Defense Ministry Committee approved schemes for 3,400 houses in E1. Remote Finance Minister Bezellal Smotrich, who unveiled him last week, said that the idea of a Palestinian state is being “erased”.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the move, saying it was illegal and would “destroy” the possibilities for a two-state solution.
It follows announcements from the increasing number of countries with its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, condemned by Israel.
Israel has constructed 700,000 Jews of around 160 settlements as it captured the West Bank and Eastern Jerusalem – Land Palestinians with Gaza, for a future kingdom – during the Middle East War of 1967 – during the Middle East War of 1967. The estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live with them.
Settlements are considered illegal under international law – a status supported by Rai, a advisor to the International Court of Court last year – although Israel disputed it.
The gradual Israeli governments have allowed settlements to grow. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a right-wing, head of the supporter-Setler alliance, as well as the Gaza war in late 2022, has expanded rapidly since the expansion of Hamas on Israel’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.
The E1 plans for 3,401 housing units – which covers about 12 sq km (4.6 sq mi) amidst the disposal of Eastern Jerusalem and Maale Adumim – was approved by the High Planning Council of Civil Administration.
The body of the Ministry of Defense also approved 342 units in the new settlement of ASAEL, a former post at Southern West Bank, which was built without a government authority, but was made legal under the Israeli Act in May.
Smotrich, a ultravisionist leader and settling a civil administration, said: “The Palestinian kingdom is being erased from the table, not with slogans but with actions.”
“Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”
He urged Netanyahu to “complete the move” and formally annex the West Bank.
Israel effectively explained East Jerusalem in 1980, in a step recognized by the vast majority of the international community.
Opponents of the E1 project warned that it will effectively block the establishment of a Palestinian kingdom as it will cut the north of the West Bank to South, and prevent development in the center of an embodied Palestinian urban area connecting Ramallah, Eastern Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Israeli-dis-Anty-Vachdog Peace now warned: “Under the war cover, Smotrich and their Mesianic minorities are creating a settlement for withdrawal in any agreement. The sole purpose of E1 is to vandalize a political solution and run to a bountered rampant state.”
The Palestinian Authority, which does not undergo full Israeli control of parts of the West Bank, also condemned the approval of E1 schemes.
The PA’s Foreign Ministry said, “The scheme will separate Jerusalem from its Palestinian environment, immersed it in a large scale settlement block” and the West Bank “in the enclave similar to open air jails”.
It was also alleged that the approval “involved the official Israeli participation in the crimes of disposal, attachment, massacre and forced displacement” – alleged that Israel has long rejected.
The PA’s Foreign Ministry appealed to forcing Israel to stop its colonial plans (…), including real international action, restrictions, and to honor the international consent to resolve the Palestinian question. “
UK Foreign Secretary David Lemi said that E1 schemes, if implemented, will “divide a Palestinian state into two, mark a major violation of international law and severely weaken the two-state solution”.
“The Israeli government will have to reverse this decision,” he said.
King Abdullah II of Jordan also rejected the E1 schemes, saying: “The two-state solution is the only way to achieve a justified and wide peace.”
A German government spokesperson said the disposal construction violated international law and “a two-state solution and the West Bank’s Israeli occupation interrupts”.
There was no immediate comment from the US.
However, when the Army Radio in Israel was asked about the stance of the Trump administration on E1 on Monday, Ambassador Mike Hukabi said: “E1 is a decision for the government of Israel or not, whether we will try to evaluate good or evil.”
“As a general rule, it is not a violation of international law. And it is also alert to all of us that Israel has the right to live in Israel.”
In July 2024, Rai, Advisor to the International Court of Court, stated that the “continuous appearance in the Palestinian sector occupied by Israel is illegal” and that the country “” under an obligation to eliminate its illegal presence … as per the obligation … as fast as possible “.
The Prime Minister of Israel said at that time that the court had “decided to lie” and insisted that “Jews are not occupying their land”.
