Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to build over 3,000 homes in a disputed settlement project in the West Bank, saying it will “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” The E1 project, located between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, has been stalled due to international opposition, as it would disrupt connections between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Smotrich claimed the plan undermines Palestinian statehood, as “there is nothing to recognise and no one to recognise.” Jewish settlements in the region are deemed illegal under international law, and they remain a key point of contention between Israel and Palestinians.
Approximately 700,000 settlers reside in about 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as reported by Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group. These areas are part of the land Palestinians envision for a future state. Smotrich remarked, “We are breaking conventions and connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem,” calling it “Zionism at its best” involving construction, settlement, and asserting sovereignty in the Land of Israel. This comes as several countries declare intentions to recognize a Palestinian state, a move Israel disapproves of.
Smotrich announced the settlement plan at a news conference with Yesha Council Chairman Israel Ganz and Maale Adumim Mayor Guy Yifrach, asserting the land was divinely given to the Jews. Asked about the implications for countries like the UK and France, which plan to recognize a Palestinian state, Smotrich responded that there would be no state to recognize.
The U.S. State Department emphasized maintaining stability in the West Bank aligns with peace goals, while the UN and EU urged Israel against proceeding with the plan, warning against non-consensual territorial changes. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy opposed the E1 settlement plan, highlighting its violation of international law and potential division of a future Palestinian state.
The Israeli NGO Peace Now accused the Netanyahu government of deepening West Bank annexation, undermining prospects for a two-state solution, and fostering ongoing conflict. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the plan, viewing it as an extension of crimes like genocide and annexation. Israel refutes such accusations, although some Israeli human rights organizations describe the country’s actions in Gaza as genocide against Palestinians.
The E1 construction has been stalled for 20 years as it would essentially block the formation of a Palestinian state by disrupting territorial continuity between northern and southern Palestinian areas. Tensions have risen since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, with increased Israeli pressure on West Bank Palestinians cited as security measures. The international community largely views Jewish settlements as illegal under international law, a stance supported by an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from the previous year.