Israel to Approve E1 West Bank Settlement Plan — 3,400 Homes to Be Built

Israel appears ready to move forward with the E1 settlement plan, a controversial proposal for over 3,400 new housing units in the occupied West Bank. Critics say the project could sever the territory, making the two-state solution nearly impossible.

What Is the E1 Settlement Plan?

First proposed in the 1990s by then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, the E1 project aims to expand the Jewish settlement of Ma’ale Adumim towards Jerusalem. This development would deepen the separation between occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, while physically dividing the territory’s north and south.

Smotrich’s Push for Approval

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician and resident of a settlement himself, has been leading the push for E1’s approval. Speaking at the site, Smotrich claimed the project would “bury the idea of a Palestinian state” and said it was a direct response to international calls for recognition of Palestine.

“Our answer will be on the ground — through homes, neighborhoods, and Jewish families,” Smotrich declared.

Smotrich, who also holds a defense ministry role overseeing planning in occupied territories, has been sanctioned by several countries, including the UK and Canada, for inciting violence against Palestinians.

International Backlash

The plan has been met with strong international condemnation:

• European Union: Declared the move illegal under international law.

• Germany: Urged Israel to halt settlement expansion.

• Norway: Warned it undermines the two-state solution.

• United Nations: Called on Israel to reverse the decision.

While the US State Department avoided directly addressing E1, it emphasized that a stable West Bank is vital for regional peace and Israeli security.

Political and Diplomatic Stakes

The Supreme Planning Council is expected to approve the project next week after rejecting NGO objections. However, the ultimate decision to begin construction likely rests with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, given the potential for severe diplomatic fallout.

Even during the more settlement-friendly Trump administration, actual building was delayed due to Washington’s opposition. Analysts suggest similar delays could happen now, despite the approval.

Decades of Controversy

The E1 settlement plan has remained dormant for nearly three decades due to international resistance. Its revival now signals a major policy shift that could reshape the West Bank’s geopolitical map and escalate tensions.

Peace Now’s Response

Israeli NGO Peace Now accused the government of using every opportunity to deepen control over the West Bank and block peace efforts:

“The government is condemning us to endless conflict instead of working toward a resolution.”

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