Israeli Minister Claims Settlement Expansion Will End Palestinian Statehood Aspirations

Smotrich's contentious remarks come amid international criticism and declarations from several nations intending to recognize a Palestinian state, sparking heightened tensions in the region.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has declared that the authorization of over 3,000 new homes in the contentious E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank will effectively "bury" the notion of a Palestinian state. This area, situated between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, has been under a construction freeze for decades due to significant international opposition. Building in the E1 zone is feared to sever the West Bank from expediting access to East Jerusalem, further limiting Palestinian territorial claims.

In a recent news briefing attended by settler group Yesha Council's leadership, Smotrich emphasized that the initiative would eliminate any framework for a Palestinian state, claiming, "there is nothing to recognize and no one to recognize." As per estimates from the Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now, there are approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers residing in 160 settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem—an area Palestinians assert as crucial for their future independent state.

Amid rising tensions, declarations from various countries expressing intentions to recognize a Palestinian state have increased, which Smotrich vehemently dismissed. "It's not going to happen. There will be no state to recognize," he remarked as he touted the settlement plan as a profound assertion of Zionist influence.

In response, the U.S. State Department underscored the necessity for stability in the West Bank to maintain Israeli security and facilitate peace efforts in the region. In stark contrast, opposition to the E1 plans has emerged from the UN and EU, both of which have called for Israel to reassess the project. A representative from the EU emphasized that any territorial changes not agreed upon politically with involved parties will not be accepted.

UK Foreign Minister David Lammy criticized the E1 settlement initiative, labeling it as a significant breach of international law that could irrevocably divide a future Palestinian state. Germany echoed similar sentiments, urging Israel to halt the expansion of settlements in the occupied territory, as did Turkey, which condemned the plan for undermining the territorial integrity of Palestine.

The Israeli NGO Peace Now expressed concerns that the current administration is exploiting the situation to further deepen the annexation of the West Bank, viewing this as detrimental to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. They articulated that establishing a Palestinian state remains the only viable solution to end ongoing violence.

The Palestinian ministry referred to the settlement expansion as a continuation of "crimes of genocide, displacement, and annexation." While Israel has continued to reject these allegations, human rights groups have raised concerns about its military actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocidal. This settlement proposal, which has been stagnant for two decades, is now re-emerging in the context of escalated tensions following recent hostilities involving Hamas.

The future of Israeli-Palestinian relations hinges on the outcomes of these settlement initiatives, which many believe jeopardize the already fragile viability of a two-state solution amid rising global diplomatic pressures.