Israel is advancing plans to establish thousands of new housing units in the contentious West Bank. This initiative, which has been met with significant international criticism, is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who claims it will effectively end the prospect of a Palestinian state.
The E1 settlement project, long stalled due to widespread opposition, aims to connect Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim settlement. Critics argue that this would divide the West Bank and obstruct any potential for a contiguous Palestinian state, significantly undermining the possibility of East Jerusalem as a future Palestinian capital. Smotrich recently announced the approval of 3,401 housing units during a press conference at the planned site.
In his remarks, Smotrich asserted that while discussions about a Palestinian state may continue, efforts will focus on establishing a “Jewish reality.” He believes this reality will eliminate any need to recognise a Palestinian state, suggesting the absence of grounds for such recognition.
Final approval for this settlement plan is anticipated next week. Smotrich has been a persistent advocate for the annexation of the West Bank, seeking to extend Israeli sovereignty across the entire region.
The Palestinian National Council has condemned the new settlement initiatives, characterising them as part of a systematic plan to appropriate land and impose historical claims on the conflict. Council Speaker Rawhi Fattouh described the settlement expansion as part of a “creeping annexation” policy, which accompanies increasing violence from settlers towards Palestinians.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are deemed illegal under international law. Nevertheless, the Trump administration shifted US policy to regard these settlements as consistent with international norms, a stance that has remained under the Biden administration.
The Israeli settlement watchdog, Peace Now, expressed strong opposition to the E1 project, labelling it as detrimental to Israel’s future and the viability of a peaceful two-state solution. They warned that the government’s actions are reckless and could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region. They advocate for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the only solution to the ongoing conflict and further violence.
In summary, the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is a contentious issue with far-reaching implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations and the possibility of establishing peace in the region.