Israel Pushes Ahead with E1 Settlement, Sparks International Alarm Over Two-State Solution

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed Thursday that the contentious E1 settlement construction in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is proceeding, a move widely condemned by Palestinians and rights groups as effectively severing the territory and jeopardizing prospects for a Palestinian state. The project, which is expected to receive final approval on August 20, has been under consideration for over two decades.

Critics argue that the E1 development, located east of Jerusalem, will eliminate the last direct geographic link between major West Bank cities like Ramallah and Bethlehem, forcing Palestinians into lengthy detours through multiple checkpoints. Smotrich provocatively stated at a ceremony that this reality “finally buries the idea of a Palestinian state,” sending a direct message to countries considering recognizing Palestinian statehood in September at the UN General Assembly.

The planning committee rejected all petitions against the construction on August 6, clearing the path for its imminent final approval. Palestinian Foreign Affairs adviser Ahmed Al-Deek denounced the plan as a “colonial, expansionist, and racist move” designed to fragment the West Bank. Peace Now, an Israeli watchdog, labeled it “deadly for the future of Israel and for any chance of achieving a peaceful two-state solution.”

This push to expand settlements comes amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing tensions in the West Bank, marked by settler attacks and restrictions on Palestinian movement. Over 700,000 Israelis currently reside in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel in 1967 and considered illegal under international law, hindering the establishment of a future Palestinian state.

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