Israel approves controversial settlement plan that could split West Bank in two

Israel has given final approval to a contentious settlement construction plan in the occupied West Bank, advancing a long-stalled project that critics say could deal a fatal blow to prospects for a future Palestinian state.

The decision greenlights the development of approximately 3,500 housing units in the E1 area — a strategically sensitive tract of land east of Jerusalem that, if built upon, would effectively bisect the West Bank. The plan links the major settlement of Ma’ale Adumim with Jerusalem, severely undermining the territorial continuity between Palestinian cities such as Ramallah and Bethlehem, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The approval comes despite longstanding international opposition and repeated warnings from rights groups and foreign governments that settlement construction in E1 threatens the viability of a two-state solution. Most of the international community views Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank as illegal under international law.

Settlement development in the E1 zone has been under discussion for over two decades, but was repeatedly frozen due to pressure from previous US administrations. The renewed push reflects the increasingly hardline stance of Israel’s current government.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a former settler leader, celebrated the move as a direct challenge to Western nations that have recently voiced support for Palestinian statehood.

“The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions,” Smotrich said. “Every settlement, every neighbourhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”

Smotrich, who holds Cabinet-level authority over settlement policy, has vowed to double the settler population in the West Bank. During the same session, he also announced the approval of an additional 350 housing units in the settlement of Ashael near Hebron.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. He remains committed to maintaining indefinite control over the West Bank, annexed East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip — territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war and claimed by Palestinians for a future state.

By Vafa Guliyeva