Smotrich says illegal West Bank settlement ‘buries’ Palestinian state
Summary
Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the approval of thousands of housing units in an illegal settlement project in the occupied West Bank. This development aims to connect Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim settlement, potentially impacting the feasibility of a future Palestinian state.Key Facts
- Bezalel Smotrich is Israel's Finance Minister and also a Defense Ministry official responsible for West Bank settlements.
- He approved over 3,000 housing units in the E1 area, which connects Jerusalem to Maale Adumim.
- The settlement plan could divide the West Bank, affecting a future contiguous Palestinian state.
- The project has faced international opposition and has been delayed for decades.
- Israel postponed the plan in 2022 due to U.S. pressure but recently started road projects in the area.
- Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group, reported the approval of 4,030 new housing units in the West Bank.
- The expansion at Maale Adumim includes 3,300 new homes, increasing its housing stock by 33%, despite a stagnant population.
- The E1 area settlement is illegal under international law.
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