What's happened
Israel has issued a tender for over 3,400 housing units in the E1 area, a move seen as accelerating settlement expansion and undermining prospects for a Palestinian state. The project, announced by far-right officials, faces international condemnation and aims to create irreversible facts on the ground.
What's behind the headline?
The E1 settlement expansion signals a deliberate effort by Israel to solidify territorial claims in the West Bank, effectively erasing the possibility of a Palestinian state in that area. The recent tender for 3,401 housing units, first reported by Peace Now, indicates an accelerated push that disregards international opposition. This move is driven by far-right political interests, notably Smotrich, who openly states that every new settlement undermines the idea of Palestinian sovereignty. The international community, including key allies, condemns the plan as illegal and destabilizing. The Israeli government’s actions suggest a strategic aim to de facto annex the territory, which will likely lead to increased tensions and further entrenchment of the conflict. The move also risks isolating Israel diplomatically, as many countries view settlement expansion as a violation of international law and a barrier to peace. The next steps will depend on international pressure and potential political interventions, but the current trajectory indicates a firm commitment to settlement growth that diminishes prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that the Israeli government is accelerating the E1 project, with tenders inviting bids for over 3,400 housing units, potentially starting work as soon as February. The Times of Israel highlights the political recklessness of this move, emphasizing the role of Peace Now in exposing the tender and the long-standing controversy surrounding E1. The article notes that the project has been frozen in the past due to US pressure but is now being pushed forward under Netanyahu’s government, with Smotrich leading the effort. The Independent underscores the international condemnation, pointing out that the project would divide the West Bank and prevent a contiguous Palestinian state, with critics calling it a 'nail in the coffin' for peace prospects. AP News briefly notes that the tender is a step toward construction, with initial work potentially beginning soon. Overall, these sources depict a coordinated effort by Israel to expand settlements in a way that undermines Palestinian sovereignty, despite widespread international opposition.
How we got here
The E1 project has been under consideration for over two decades, but was frozen due to US and international pressure. It involves building in a strategic area east of Jerusalem, which critics say would divide the West Bank and prevent a contiguous Palestinian state. The current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has accelerated settlement expansion, including tenders for thousands of new housing units, under the influence of far-right figures like Bezalel Smotrich, who advocates for de facto annexation of the territory.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s happening with the Jerusalem settlement plans near the West Bank?
Recently, Israel issued a tender for over 3,400 housing units in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, sparking international debate and concern. This move is seen by many as a significant step in settlement expansion, but it also raises questions about its impact on peace efforts and Palestinian statehood. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this controversial project and what it means for the region’s future.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Peace Now is a non-governmental organization, "liberal advocacy" and activist group in Israel with the aim of promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.
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Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli politician. The leader of Tkuma, he is currently a member of the Knesset for the Yamina alliance.