Israel: Settlement Plan Approved in West Bank

Israel's Finance Minister has approved a controversial settlement plan that bisects the West Bank. The E1 plan, which had been frozen since 2012, envisions the construction of a settlement that would connect the Jewish settlement of Ma'ale Adumim with East Jerusalem.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the plan would proceed, despite international objections. The E1 plan is expected to provoke strong reactions from the international community, as it is seen as undermining the prospects for a future agreement with the Palestinians.

The Peace Now organization condemned the plan, emphasizing that it would cut off the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Britain and other Western countries have called on Israel to halt the expansion of Jewish settlements.

The plan includes the construction of 3,401 homes for Israeli settlers between existing settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.