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Settlement plan advances

Bezalel Smotrich unveils plans for 3,401 homes in the E1 corridor, a move critics say blocks a Palestinian state.

August 14, 2025 at 09:25 AM
blur Israeli minister announces settlement plans 'to thwart Palestinian state'

Bezalel Smotrich announced approval for 3,401 new homes in the contested E1 area, a move critics say would hinder a Palestinian state.

Israeli minister advances E1 settlement plan to block Palestinian state

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far right finance minister, said he will approve plans for 3,401 homes in the E1 corridor between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. The project is widely opposed internationally and would effectively disconnect the West Bank from East Jerusalem, complicating any future borders. Smotrich told Israeli media that the plan will bury the idea of a Palestinian state.

The announcement comes after decades of freezes and intense diplomatic pressure. Critics from Peace Now and others say the plan deepens annexation and undermines a two-state solution while raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing potential diplomatic pushback from abroad, including discussions by some governments about recognizing a Palestinian state in coming months.

Key Takeaways

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3 401 homes planned in the E1 corridor linking Jerusalem to Maale Adumim
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The move would disrupt a potential Palestinian state and border contiguity
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Israel portrays the plan as strengthening sovereignty
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International opposition and potential diplomatic backlash loom
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The action comes amid a wider push by some countries to recognize a Palestinian state
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Coalition politics influence settlement decisions
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UK sanctions on the ministers show costs of inflammatory actions

"The plan will bury the idea of a Palestinian state"

Smotrich quoted by Israeli media

"This is Zionism at its best building settling and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel"

Smotrich on the E1 project

"After decades of international pressure and freezes we are breaking conventions and connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem"

Smotrich on tying Maale Adumim to Jerusalem

"The Netanyahu government is exploiting every minute to deepen the annexation of the West Bank and prevent the possibility of a two state solution"

Peace Now reaction

The move reflects a broader shift in Israel's political landscape, where settlement expansion is used to shape the map on the ground before negotiations. By linking Maale Adumim to Jerusalem, the plan challenges the idea of a contiguous Palestinian state and raises the bar for any future borders. The decision also tests international patience and highlights how coalition politics can drive high-stakes policy.

International observers will watch for reaction from allies and regional players. The plan arrives as UK sanctions on Smotrich and the security minister signal that ground actions carry consequences. If diplomacy frays further, it could complicate aid, investment, and the already fragile peace process.

Highlights

  • This is Zionism at its best building settling and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel
  • The plan will bury the idea of a Palestinian state
  • After decades of international pressure and freezes we are breaking conventions and connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem
  • The Netanyahu government is exploiting every minute to deepen the annexation of the West Bank and prevent the possibility of a two state solution

Political and diplomatic risk from settlement expansion

The plan intensifies a long running dispute over settlements and could trigger international backlash, affect diplomatic relations, and heighten regional tensions.

Observers will watch for how regional players respond and whether diplomacy can still keep pace with ground actions.

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