Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's announcement reflects a growing trend of hardline policies in Israel, drawing criticism from rights groups and global leaders.
Israeli Minister Pushes Ahead with Settlement Expansion Plans Amidst Palestinian Tensions
Israeli Minister Pushes Ahead with Settlement Expansion Plans Amidst Palestinian Tensions
Controversial housing initiative could obstruct future Palestinian statehood, inciting international outcry.
Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced his plans to approve the construction of over 3,000 new housing units in a contentious settlement project in the occupied West Bank, aimed at obstructing the creation of a Palestinian state. The E1 development, situated between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, has faced years of international backlash and has been kept on hold due to significant global opposition. Smotrich stated, “The plan will bury the idea of a Palestinian state,” highlighting the gravity of the move.
Settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, a claim that Israel firmly contests. These developments remain one of the main flashpoints in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, with around 700,000 settlers residing in approximately 160 settlements, according to the anti-settlement organization Peace Now. This land is essential for Palestinians seeking a future independent state.
In an impassioned defense of the settlement initiative, Smotrich proclaimed, “After decades of international pressure and freezes, we are breaking conventions and connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem. This is Zionism at its best—building, settling, and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel.” This announcement comes in the wake of various countries signaling their intent to recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months, a move met with outrage from the Israeli government.
Smotrich plans to formally unveil his proposal in a news conference alongside the chairman of the settler organization Yesha Council and the Mayor of Ma'ale Adumim on Thursday, according to i24 News. The Peace Now organization condemned the government's actions, asserting that they are “exploiting every minute to deepen the annexation of the West Bank and prevent the possibility of a two-state solution.” They further stated, “It is clear to everyone today that the only solution to the conflict is through the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.”
The recent sanctioning of Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir by the UK, due to their “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities,” underscores the broader implications of their policies. The construction of these housing units in E1 has been stalled for 20 years, as its development is perceived as strategically blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state by severing connectivity between key Palestinian areas.
Since the attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has intensified its pressure on West Bank Palestinians, framing these measures as necessary for security. However, the majority of the international community continues to classify the settlements as illegal, as confirmed by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year. Humanitarian groups have warned that the current Israeli vetting process is severely hindering the delivery of essential aid to Gaza, emphasizing the multifaceted humanitarian crisis at play.
Settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, a claim that Israel firmly contests. These developments remain one of the main flashpoints in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, with around 700,000 settlers residing in approximately 160 settlements, according to the anti-settlement organization Peace Now. This land is essential for Palestinians seeking a future independent state.
In an impassioned defense of the settlement initiative, Smotrich proclaimed, “After decades of international pressure and freezes, we are breaking conventions and connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem. This is Zionism at its best—building, settling, and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel.” This announcement comes in the wake of various countries signaling their intent to recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months, a move met with outrage from the Israeli government.
Smotrich plans to formally unveil his proposal in a news conference alongside the chairman of the settler organization Yesha Council and the Mayor of Ma'ale Adumim on Thursday, according to i24 News. The Peace Now organization condemned the government's actions, asserting that they are “exploiting every minute to deepen the annexation of the West Bank and prevent the possibility of a two-state solution.” They further stated, “It is clear to everyone today that the only solution to the conflict is through the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.”
The recent sanctioning of Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir by the UK, due to their “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities,” underscores the broader implications of their policies. The construction of these housing units in E1 has been stalled for 20 years, as its development is perceived as strategically blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state by severing connectivity between key Palestinian areas.
Since the attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has intensified its pressure on West Bank Palestinians, framing these measures as necessary for security. However, the majority of the international community continues to classify the settlements as illegal, as confirmed by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year. Humanitarian groups have warned that the current Israeli vetting process is severely hindering the delivery of essential aid to Gaza, emphasizing the multifaceted humanitarian crisis at play.
