Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy by announcing his intention to approve the construction of thousands of housing units in a highly contentious and long-delayed illegal settlement project in the occupied West Bank. According to Smotrich, he will approve tenders to build more than 3,000 homes in the E1 area settlement, which connects Jerusalem and the existing illegal Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, located several kilometers to the east.
The expansion of the settlement has significant implications, as it effectively divides the occupied West Bank into northern and southern regions. Smotrich’s decision has been met with strong conviction, as he believes that this move “buries the idea of a Palestinian state.” This statement underscores the minister’s opposition to a two-state solution and highlights the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The E1 settlement project has been a point of contention for many years, with critics arguing that it would severely limit the potential for a Palestinian state. The international community has consistently expressed concerns about the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing their impact on the prospects for peace and the rights of the Palestinian people.
Smotrich’s announcement is likely to draw criticism from various stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority, international organizations, and human rights groups. The decision will likely exacerbate tensions in the region and further complicate efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.