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The project, which must be officially approved by Benjamin Netanyahu's government, separates East Jerusalem from the West Bank, splitting the Palestinian territories...
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his messianic and strong stances, has announced the final approval of the controversial "E1" settlement project in the West Bank.
He called this decision "historic", emphasizing that in practice this project will divide the West Bank in two, making the creation of a united Palestinian state almost impossible.
" This is a significant step that practically erases the illusion of two states and consolidates the control of the Jewish people over the heart of the Land of Israel ," Smotrich declared.
The project envisages the construction of around 3,500 housing units in the area known as E1, between East Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, effectively dividing the West Bank into two regions, northern and southern. This would prevent the development of a Palestinian metropolis connecting East Jerusalem with Bethlehem and Ramallah. The news has immediately caused strong reactions from the international community.
The historical role of "Block E1"
As correspondent Davide Frattini reports for Corriere della Sera, the E1 area has been under discussion for more than 20 years. Bezalel Smotrich presents the project as a way to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” Currently, E1 appears as a large blue blob on a map, while the list of complications and disputes is long. The project, which must be officially approved by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, separates East Jerusalem from the West Bank, splitting the Palestinian territories.
The international community and all American presidents have opposed the construction of these 3,500 housing units. Smotrich implies that President Donald Trump may have given his approval. He addresses the countries that announce the recognition of the Palestinian state: “This is our response, with concrete actions on the ground, with new homes and neighborhoods.” London immediately reacted with a strong protest; Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared: “We strongly oppose the project.” Meanwhile, the White House spoke of support for “stability” in the West Bank.
Historically, the E1 plan was suspended by Ariel Sharon in 2005 under pressure from George W. Bush. Even Netanyahu's government in 2009 did not dare to relaunch the project. Now Smotrich is pushing it forward, using the threat of the coalition's collapse and exercising over the prime minister a power that does not correspond to the electoral strength of his party. He has urged Netanyahu to "extend Israeli sovereignty to all of Judea and Samaria," as he biblically calls the occupied territories. /Adapted from "Corriere Della Sera"
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