Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stirred global debate this week by backing a plan to build 3,400 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank—an area hotly contested by Palestinians and the international community.
Located east of Jerusalem, the E1 parcel sits between the ancient city and Maale Adumim. Critics warn that expanding settlements here would carve the West Bank into disconnected regions, effectively ending any real push for a two-state solution. 🌐
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric flagged the plan as a “dealbreaker,” saying it could sever the northern and southern West Bank and dash hopes for a viable Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, several governments—like the UK and France—have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state later this year, hoping to keep the two-state dream alive.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry slammed the E1 push, calling for strong international action and sanctions to halt what they see as “colonial construction.” The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and countries including Germany and Saudi Arabia echoed the call, labeling the move a breach of international law.
Even Israeli NGO Peace Now weighed in, warning that building in E1 is “deadly” for any future peace deal. A final hearing by the Defense Ministry’s technical committee is set for next Wednesday—if approved, groundwork could start in months, with homes going up in about a year.
With roughly 3 million Palestinians and about 500 000 Israeli settlers living in the West Bank, the stakes are sky-high. Many young people across South Asia and Southeast Asia are watching closely, hoping for a path toward peace that respects the rights and dreams of both communities. ✌️
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Israeli far-right minister backs contentious West Bank settlement plan
cgtn.com
