< Back to all clusters
[INTERNATIONAL] · Israel, United Kingdom, Palestinian Territories, Canada, France · 4 sources

started · updated

Israel advances E1 settlement expansion in West Bank

Israel is advancing its controversial E1 settlement expansion plan in the West Bank, despite international condemnation and warnings that it could jeopardize the viability of a future Palestinian state. The project, located in a 12-square-kilometer area east of Jerusalem between the city and Maale Adumim, aims to connect settlements and potentially fragment Palestinian territories.

Reports indicate that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar previously informed British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband that construction tenders would not be issued before the upcoming Israeli elections. However, Israel has since moved forward with new tenders. A recent announcement includes 2,167 housing units, which, combined with a previous tender for 1,234 units, brings the total number of approved units in the E1 project to 3,401.

International reaction has been sharp. British officials have described the expansion as 'unacceptable and destructive,' while the European Union, through High Representative Kaja Kallas, has labeled the settlements illegal under international law. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has defended the plan, stating it would effectively end the possibility of a two-state solution. The new tenders are scheduled to open on October 25, just two days before Israel's parliamentary elections.

Entities

Bezalel Smotrich · E1 area · Ed Miliband · European Union · Gideon Sa'ar · Ir Amim · Israel · West Bank

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.