Israel issues over 3,000 tenders for E1 settlement in Jerusalem

Israeli authorities have issued tenders for the construction of 3,401 settlement units in the E1 area, east of Jerusalem, marking a shift from planning to implementation of a long-delayed project. Muayyad Shaban, head of the Commission against the Wall and Settlements, described this as a “highly dangerous escalation” in Israel’s settlement activity. The E1 settlement, if developed, is expected to bisect the occupied West Bank, significantly hindering the establishment of a contiguous Palestinian state.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved plans for 3,400 homes in E1 last August, following nearly three decades of international opposition. The plan aims to connect the Maale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, further isolating the city from surrounding Palestinian areas.

This move is part of a broader trend of increased settlement activity, with Israeli authorities issuing plans for 10,098 new settlement units in 2025. A significant portion of these units – over 7,000 – are allocated to Maale Adumim, with additional units planned for Efrat and Ariel, demonstrating a concerted effort to expand colonial control over Palestinian land, according to the Commission against the Wall and Settlements.

(Source：Arab News Pk)