How Israel is expanding settlements in drive to reshape West Bank
Summary
Israel is expanding its settlements in the West Bank, including a controversial project in the E1 area near Jerusalem. This expansion divides the West Bank and limits the possibility of a future Palestinian state. The move has drawn strong criticism from the United Nations, several countries, and Palestinian leaders.Key Facts
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.
- Plans include building about 1,200 new homes in the E1 area east of Jerusalem.
- All Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
- Since 1967, Israel has built around 160 settlements in the West Bank, housing about 700,000 people.
- Settlement construction has increased rapidly since Netanyahu’s return to power in 2022.
- The E1 settlement project could split the West Bank into two parts and cut off East Jerusalem from other Palestinian areas.
- The Israeli government has legalized some illegal settlement outposts and is building more roads connecting settlements across the West Bank.
- The expansion faced condemnation from the UN, the EU, and countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada.
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