Israel Approves West Bank Settlement in E1, Drawing Global Criticism

By Staff Writer

MAALE ADUMIM, West Bank — Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Thursday the approval of a controversial new settlement in the E1 area of the Israeli-occupied West Bank — a step rights groups warn could effectively split the territory in two and end hopes for a viable Palestinian state.

The decision comes as multiple countries — including Australia, Britain, France, and Canada — prepare to formally recognize a Palestinian state in September. Smotrich called the move “a final burial” of the idea of Palestinian statehood, vowing that anyone recognizing such a state “will receive an answer from us on the ground.”

Long-Stalled E1 Plan Moves Forward

The E1 development plan, which has been frozen for over two decades due to U.S. opposition, is set for final approval on August 20 after Israel’s planning committee rejected petitions from rights groups earlier this month.

While bureaucratic steps remain, infrastructure work could begin within months, with housing construction potentially starting in about a year. Smotrich praised U.S. President Donald Trump and Ambassador Mike Huckabee as “true friends of Israel.”

Palestinian and Rights Groups Condemn Plan

Palestinian political adviser Ahmed al Deek called the approval a “colonial, expansionist, and racist move” aimed at fragmenting the West Bank and cutting off its southern region from the center and north.

Peace Now, an Israeli advocacy group, warned the plan is “deadly for the future of Israel” and “guarantees many more years of bloodshed,” saying it kills the possibility of a peaceful two-state solution.

Context: Settlement Expansion and Rising Tensions

The announcement follows remarks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing attachment to the vision of a “Greater Israel,” which supporters interpret as extending Israeli control beyond the West Bank.

Currently, more than 700,000 Israelis live in settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem — territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and claimed by Palestinians for a future state.

The international community overwhelmingly considers settlement construction in these areas illegal under international law. Israel disputes this, calling the West Bank “disputed territory” and insisting its future should be resolved through negotiations.

Smotrich’s Role and Government Stance

Israel’s current government, dominated by religious and ultranationalist politicians closely tied to the settlement movement, has given Smotrich expanded authority over settlement policy. The finance minister has openly pledged to double the settler population in the West Bank.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1980 — a move not internationally recognized — and withdrew from Gaza in 2005, though it maintains control over most access points. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza as part of an independent state.

SOURCE: AP News