Israel Approves Controversial E1 Settlement Plan, Drawing Global Backlash

What Is the E1 Plan?

The "E1" (East 1) plan targets a 12 km² stretch of land between East Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Ma'ale Adumim in the occupied West Bank. It envisions building about 3,400-3,500 homes, along with new roads and infrastructure.

Currently, the area hosts Bedouin communities such as Khan al-Ahmar, as well as the Israeli Judea and Samaria police headquarters.

Why Is It Controversial?

Critics say the project would cut East Jerusalem off from the wider West Bank, fragmenting Palestinian territory and jeopardizing the possibility of a future Palestinian state. Development in E1 would create a continuous corridor under Israeli control, effectively bisecting the West Bank.

What Just Happened in August 2025?

• Final approval secured: On August 20, Israel's higher planning committee approved the E1 project.
• Government stance clear: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly stated that the plan "buries the illusion of the two-state solution."
• Local communities at risk: Palestinian Bedouins have received eviction notices, with demolitions expected soon.

How Has the World Reacted?

• Global condemnation: More than 20 countries, including the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, denounced the plan as a violation of international law.
• UK protest: Britain summoned Israel's ambassador and warned it could move toward recognizing a Palestinian state if settlement expansion continues.
• EU response: The European Union urged Israel to suspend the plan, stressing it undermines any path toward peace.

Why Does It Matter?

• Geography: Building in E1 would split the West Bank in two, restricting Palestinian movement and territorial unity.
• Politics and law: Most of the international community sees settlement construction on occupied land as illegal. This move deepens the crisis of the two-state solution.
• Human cost: Entire Bedouin communities face forced displacement, while new road networks could lead to segregation between Israeli and Palestinian traffic.

At a Glance: E1 Settlement Plan

• Area: 12 km² between East Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim
• Scope: 3,400-3,500 homes plus infrastructure
• Developer: Israel's Defence Ministry under Finance Minister Smotrich
• Response: Condemned by 20+ countries; UK and EU vocal in opposition
• Impact: Threatens Palestinian state viability, reshapes West Bank, escalates tensions