Israel opens up tenders for controversial West Bank settlement project

What the report says

Israel has opened tenders for about 1,200 settlement homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, a long-contested zone east of Jerusalem that critics say would make a future Palestinian state far harder to establish. The BBC reported that the housing ministry issued the tender process for part of a larger plan approved last year, with bids due before Israel’s general election later this month.

The project would sit between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim, covering roughly 12 sq km. Opponents, including Israeli peace group Peace Now and Palestinian activists, argue that building there would split the West Bank into northern and southern sections and isolate East Jerusalem, effectively undermining the territorial contiguity needed for a two-state solution. Peace Now said the timing could make any future reversal more difficult.

The BBC said the move comes amid long-running international opposition to settlement expansion, which is considered illegal under international law. Israel has built many settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, and the article notes that expansion has accelerated under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current right-wing coalition.

Supporters of the project, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have framed it as part of a broader effort to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. The report also cited concerns from Bedouin communities that could be affected by the development and possible evictions.