According to his office, Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s announcement that construction will begin on a long-delayed colony that would split the West Bank and shut it off from East Jerusalem would “bury” the desire for a Palestinian state.
The Palestinian administration, supporters, and advocacy organizations denounced the proposal, claiming it was unlawful and that the division of land would disrupt regional peace initiatives. According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, it would terminate the possibility of a two-state solution. “Settlements go against international law, further entrenching the occupation.
On Thursday, Smotrich, a settler himself, stood at the location of the proposed colony in Maale Adumim and said that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to the resuscitation of the E1 construction, but neither had immediately confirmed it.
On the ground, we will respond to anybody attempting to recognize a Palestinian state today. Not with papers, not with judgments or declarations, but with facts. When asked about his comments, a U.S. State Department official said: “A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” and directed reporters to the Israeli government for more details.
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