Israel Officially Approves E1 Settlement Plan: End of Two-State Solution
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
Israel has officially approved plans for construction in the E1 area, including the establishment of a new settlement named “Ashal”, which will include 342 housing units and public buildings. This development will separate the northern and southern West Bank. These plans have sparked widespread international controversy.
The controversial plans, delayed for years due to international pressure, have long-term implications for the possibility of achieving a two-state solution. They are expected to face strong criticism worldwide.
Today, the subcommittee for settlements within the “Civil Administration” approved a landmark move to advance the construction plan in the E1 area of Ma’aleh Adumim, involving nearly 3,400 new settlement units.
Meanwhile, approval was also given for a plan to build 342 settlement units in the Hebron settlements.
The E1 plan effectively cuts off Palestinian territorial continuity between Ramallah and Bethlehem. The organization “Peace Now” previously described this as “a fatal blow to the Palestinian state”.
Until now, Europe and the United States have prevented Israel from moving forward with construction plans in the region. However, it now appears that the process is accelerating rapidly. If there are no delays, bulldozers could be operating in the area within a few months, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.
Finance Minister and Defense Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stated: “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table, not through slogans but through actions. Every settlement, every neighborhood, every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea. It is time to assert full sovereignty over the West Bank.”
Peace Now organization commented: “Under the guise of war, Smotrich and his allies are establishing a phantom settlement that will be forcibly evacuated under any peace agreement. The main purpose of the settlement in the E1 area is to thwart any political solution and push toward a racial, bi-national separationist state.”
