Israeli minister announces settlement plans 'to thwart Palestinian state'
Summary
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced plans to approve the construction of over 3,000 homes in a controversial settlement project in the West Bank. The project, called E1, has been paused for many years but is now expected to move forward, potentially hindering the establishment of a future Palestinian state. This announcement comes amid growing international debate over the recognition of a Palestinian state.Key Facts
- Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, plans to build more than 3,000 homes in the West Bank.
- The E1 project is located between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement.
- Building in E1 could block the West Bank from East Jerusalem, complicating the creation of a Palestinian state.
- International law views these settlements as illegal, but Israel does not agree.
- Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers live in 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
- Smotrich sees the project as reinforcing Israeli sovereignty and Zionism.
- Recent international discussions have focused on recognizing a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes.
- The UK sanctioned Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in June.
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