New Israeli Settlement Plan in West Bank Raises Tensions

ISLAMABAD — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major new settlement project in the West Bank, saying there will never be a Palestinian state and that the land belongs to Israel.

The project, called E1, was approved last month and includes thousands of new homes and nearly $1 billion in infrastructure. It could divide the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem, increasing tensions in the region.

Netanyahu was joined by far-right politicians who oppose the idea of a Palestinian state. This move comes shortly after Israel’s attempt to strike Hamas leaders in Qatar, which caused international criticism.

The settlement plan was frozen before due to pressure from the US and Europe but is now moving forward, risking the two-state peace solution.

Many international observers say these settlements are illegal under international law and warn that the expansion will harm peace efforts.