Israel is poised to give formal approval to a highly contentious settlement project in the occupied West Bank, which could split the territory in half and further entrench Israeli control over the area. The E1 plan, expected to receive backing from the Supreme Planning Council next week, has been strongly opposed by the international community.
Critics argue that the project would effectively cut off occupied east Jerusalem from the West Bank and exacerbate the division between Israel’s northern and southern territories. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich backs the plan, which he believes will “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”
The European Union, Germany, Norway, and several other countries have condemned the plan, with the EU calling it an “illegal” annexation under international law. The US State Department has been more evasive, focusing on issues like ending the war in Gaza rather than directly addressing the E1 project.
Netanyahu’s government would likely need to make a decision on whether to proceed with construction, despite the diplomatic fallout. If approved, the plan could be seen as a significant blow to the prospects of a two-state solution and further isolate Israel internationally.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/14/israel-appears-set-to-approve-controversial-settlement-of-3400-homes-in-west-bank