Stephan Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, affirmed that settlements in the West Bank violate international law. He added that settlements fuel tensions and systematically undermine the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state as part of the two-state solution. He pointed out that construction in the “E-1” area will separate the northern West Bank from the south, undermining the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced approval of plans to establish new settlements under the “E1 Project,” aiming to separate East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank, a move considered by most of the international community as a violation of international law since Israeli settlements and military occupation of the area since 1967 are deemed illegal.

Smotrich, a far-right Israeli minister, said upon announcing the decision that “this plan will bury the idea of establishing a Palestinian state.” Israel had frozen construction plans in this area since 2012 due to objections from the United States, European allies, and other countries. However, Smotrich stated during a visit to the area that “everything we do here is in full coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and our friends in the United States.” He added that “after 20 years of delay and pressure, we clearly announce today that the constraint has been broken, and the program to link Ma’ale Adumim with Jerusalem has started.”