Israeli Minister Greenlights 3,401 West Bank Homes to Prevent Palestinian State

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has approved plans to build 3,401 homes in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim in the occupied West Bank. He said the move would "bury the idea of a Palestinian state."

The E1 project, frozen for decades due to international opposition, would link Maale Adumim with Jerusalem and sever the West Bank's territorial continuity. Critics warn that this step jeopardizes the viability of a future Palestinian state.

Controversial Settlements

Settlements are deemed illegal under international law, a view upheld by the International Court of Justice. Israel disputes this. Around 700,000 settlers live in roughly 160 settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territory Palestinians envision for their state.

• Strategic impact: Developing E1 blocks a continuous Palestinian corridor linking Ramallah, East Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
• Political fallout: Several countries have signaled plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months.
• Sanctions: Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir face UK sanctions for incitement against Palestinian communities.

Response from Peace Now

Settlement watchdog Peace Now accused the Netanyahu government of deepening West Bank annexation and undermining a two-state solution. "The only viable path to end conflict, and to defeat Hamas, lies in establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel," the group stated.

The approval of the E1 housing project marks a significant shift in Israeli policy, effectively blocking the territorial basis for a Palestinian state.

This topic was reported by Www.

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