Israel has officially approved a highly disputed settlement project in the West Bank, a move that critics say will cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of the territory and split the West Bank in two.
The plan involves building 3,400 housing units in an area known as E1, located between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim. Construction there had been on hold for about 20 years due to international pressure, but the new approval clears the way for work to begin.
Opponents argue this will make a future Palestinian state nearly impossible, as it would block the north and south of the West Bank from connecting, disrupting any chance of a continuous Palestinian territory.
Supporters of the project, including Israeli officials in charge of settlement policy, argue that every new housing unit strengthens Israel’s control of the land. Some leaders openly say the project is meant to permanently eliminate the possibility of a Palestinian state.
The Palestinian Authority strongly condemned the decision, calling it illegal and warning that it will “destroy” the chances of peace. They also accused Israel of using the war as cover to push forward settlement plans that would isolate Palestinian communities into separate enclaves.
International criticism has followed. Leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere said the decision violates international law and undermines hopes for a two-state solution. Some countries called for sanctions or other pressure to halt construction.
Israel, however, rejects claims that the settlements are illegal. Officials insist that Jewish people have the right to live in these areas and argue that international rulings against them are biased.
The settlement expansion comes at a time of heightened conflict, with violence in Gaza and the West Bank escalating. Critics warn that approving E1 is not only about housing but about reshaping the map in a way that permanently blocks a Palestinian state.