Israel postpones E1 settlement project tender evaluation

The evaluation process for a tender involving 1,234 housing units in the E1 settlement project has been postponed. The project, located east of occupied East Jerusalem, aims to establish settlements on Palestinian land, a move critics say would sever the connection between East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The Israel Land Authority approved the delay following a decision by the Attorney General to prevent interference during the election period scheduled for October 27. While contractors are expected to submit bids by October 19, the committee responsible for reviewing them is not scheduled to meet until at least November 19, 2026.

The human rights organization Peace Now has called for the total cancellation of the tender rather than a postponement, arguing that such settlements undermine the peace process and the viability of a two-state solution. The group also warned that companies involved in the project could face international sanctions. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has requested that the decision to postpone the tender be overturned.