Smotrich declares West Bank 'part of Israel by Divine promise'
Smotrich, who said he has full backing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced the immediate launch of the long-delayed project to link the Ma'ale Adumim settlement with Jerusalem, known as the 'E1' plan.
Critics warn the project will split the West Bank in two, isolate East Jerusalem, and effectively end any prospect for a Palestinian state.
'We will continue Jewish construction to eliminate the dream of a Palestinian state,' Smotrich said, calling for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank and the 'end of partition' in what he described as the world's only Jewish state.
⚡️🇵🇸🇮🇱JUST IN:
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved 3,401 housing units near Ma'ale Adumim settlement and will unveil the E1 plan tomorrow, aiming to block a future Palestinian state by cutting territorial continuity between Ramallah and Bethlehem. pic.twitter.com/0xibsx9PjE
August 14, 2025
The head of Ma'ale Adumim's settlement council echoed Smotrich's remarks, vowing not to back down 'until Israeli sovereignty is established' and urging Israel to ignore international criticism.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the move as part of Israel's plan to destroy the geographic and demographic viability of a future Palestinian state, describing it as an extension of Netanyahu's vision of 'Greater Israel.'
Netanyahu himself, in a recent interview with i24 News, said he is on a 'historical and spiritual mission' rooted in Talmudic teachings, envisioning Israeli expansion into parts of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.
These remarks have drawn rare condemnation from moderate Arab states, including Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, many of which maintain diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel.
Analysts warn the statements could harden regional attitudes and potentially bolster resistance movements against what is seen as radical Israeli annexationist policy.
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