E1 settlement moves closer to approval

A plan to approve a 3,400-home E1 settlement moves closer, drawing international scrutiny.

Israel Moves Toward Approving E1 West Bank Settlement

Israel is poised to formally approve the E1 plan, a project to build more than 3,400 homes extending Ma’ale Adumim toward Jerusalem. If cleared by the Supreme Planning Council next week, it would cut east Jerusalem from the West Bank and deepen a corridor separating the north and south of the territory, a step critics say would widen the ground rules for a one-state reality.

Supporters say the plan unifies blocks in the name of security and Israeli sovereignty, while opponents warn of long-term damage to the two-state framework. Smotrich, who has a role at the defense ministry and has been sanctioned by the UK and allied countries for incitement, asserted that leaders have agreed to revive E1, though there was no official confirmation from Prime Minister Netanyahu or the Trump administration. Reactions abroad ranged from EU condemnation to cautious US diplomacy, with a State Department spokesperson noting that the United States seeks a stable West Bank while focusing on ending the Gaza war.

The move shows how domestic political currents in Israel can reshape regional diplomacy. Advancing E1 signals a willingness to push a red line that many partners consider a non-starter for a two-state process. This could tighten international pressure and complicate relations with key allies.

At home, the E1 push could sharpen fault lines within the governing coalition. If construction proceeds, it may force Netanyahu to choose between security assertions and the risk of broad diplomatic backlash, potentially affecting both election dynamics and future cooperation with Washington and European capitals.

Highlights

The coming days will reveal whether diplomacy can keep pace with political ambition.