Finance minister of Israel issues warnings about annexation of West Bank region
Israel's decision to build over 3,400 housing units in the E1 area of the West Bank has sparked strong international condemnation, particularly from the United Nations. The UN Secretary-General has explicitly condemned the decision, stating that the settlement expansion in E1 would sever the northern and southern West Bank, jeopardizing territorial contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and undermining prospects for peace.
The UN's stance sets a precedent for broad international disapproval, with the plan being widely seen as an effort to divide the West Bank geographically, making it difficult to maintain a contiguous Palestinian state. This has drawn criticism from various international actors concerned about peace efforts and regional stability.
The E1 area is considered one of the most sensitive points in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians due to its strategic location. The construction in E1 could significantly hinder, if not make impossible, a contiguous territory for a future Palestinian state. Under international law, the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal.
The goal is to advance a two-state solution, meaning that Israel and an independent Palestinian state would coexist peacefully side by side. However, the E1 plan risks undermining the feasibility of a negotiated two-state solution by creating "facts on the ground" that predetermine borders.
The plan also increases tensions and conflict potential between Israelis and Palestinians due to expanded settlements in contested areas. Almost 150 of the 193 UN member states have already recognized a Palestinian state. Several countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, want to recognize a Palestinian state next month.
Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement organization, has stated that the E1 plan is deadly for the future of Israel and any chance of a peaceful two-state solution. Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has threatened to annex the West Bank if a Palestinian state is recognized next month.
Notably, Israel rejected recognition as a "reward for Hamas" following the massacre in the Israeli border area on October 7, 2023. The final approval of the controversial E1 building plans is scheduled for next Wednesday, according to Peace Now.
[1] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). (n.d.). Settlement Expansion in the West Bank. [online] Available at: https://www.ochaopt.org/content/settlement-expansion-west-bank [2] Middle East Eye. (2023). UN condemns Israel’s E1 settlement plan as violation of international law. [online] Available at: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-condemns-israels-e1-settlement-plan-violation-international-law [3] Al Jazeera. (2023). Israel approves construction of 3,400 settlement units in West Bank. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/israel-approves-construction-of-3400-settlement-units-in-west-bank
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