Israel Approves Controversial Settlement Plan in West Bank’s E-1 Zone
Jerusalem: Israel on Wednesday approved a major new settlement project in the E-1 area of the West Bank, a move widely condemned as a threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state. The plan was formally announced by Guy Yifrach, mayor of the Israeli settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, which lies adjacent to the designated site.
Under the proposal, Israel will construct around 3,400 housing units for Jewish settlers across a 12-square-kilometre zone linking East Jerusalem to Ma’ale Adumim. The area, known as E-1, has long been regarded by the international community as a critical corridor for the territorial continuity of a prospective Palestinian state. Previous Israeli governments had repeatedly postponed the project in the face of strong global opposition.
The decision comes shortly after several countries, including Ireland, formally recognised a Palestinian state. Critics argue the settlement expansion would effectively sever East Jerusalem from the West Bank, undermining Palestinian aspirations to establish their capital there.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the move, warning that settlement construction in E-1 “ends hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” The Palestinian Authority echoed this position, denouncing the plan as a direct blow to peace efforts.
All Israeli settlements in the West Bank, established since the 1967 occupation, are considered illegal under international law. The territory is home to roughly three million Palestinians and more than 500,000 Israeli settlers, excluding East Jerusalem.
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