Israel’s New West Bank Settlement Threatens Palestinian Statehood!

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the approval of a controversial new settlement in the E1 area of the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday, a move critics warn could dismantle prospects for a Palestinian state by geographically splitting the territory. The announcement, made during a ceremony, comes as countries like Australia, Britain, France, and Canada plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

“This reality buries the idea of a Palestinian state,” Smotrich declared, vowing to counter international recognition efforts with on-ground actions. The E1 plan, long stalled by U.S. pressure but now revived, is set for final approval on August 20 after overcoming objections from rights groups. Infrastructure work could begin within months, with home construction potentially starting in a year.

Ahmed al Deek, political adviser to the Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister, condemned the plan as a “colonial, expansionist, and racist move” aimed at fragmenting the West Bank and thwarting Palestinian statehood. Peace Now labeled it “deadly” for peace prospects, warning of prolonged conflict. The announcement follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent endorsement of a “Greater Israel,” intensifying tensions.

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The settlement expansion exacerbates challenges for Palestinians, who face rising settler attacks, evictions, and restricted movement in the West Bank, amid global focus on Gaza. Over 700,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured in 1967 and claimed by Palestinians for their future state, deemed illegal by much of the international community. Israel’s government, led by ultranationalist figures like Smotrich, continues to prioritize settlement growth, with plans to double the settler population.

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