Israel has overcome the final obstacle to commence building a controversial settlement project near Jerusalem that would effectively divide the occupied West Bank into two sections, as revealed by a government tender. The tender, inviting bids from developers, paves the way for the initiation of the E1 project. The anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now was the first to report the tender. Yoni Mizrahi, who supervises the group’s settlement monitoring division, indicated that initial groundwork could start within the month.
The E1 area, located east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for settlement development for over twenty years but was put on hold due to U.S. pressure in previous administrations. The global community largely views Israeli settlement construction in the occupied West Bank as unlawful and a hindrance to peace efforts. The E1 project is particularly contentious as it extends from the outskirts of Jerusalem deep into the occupied West Bank, with critics arguing that it would impede the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state in the region.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician overseeing settlement policies, has been a strong advocate for the project’s realization. In August, when Israel granted final approval to the plan, Smotrich stated, “The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions.” The published tender, available on Israel’s Land Authority website, calls for proposals to develop 3,401 housing units. Peace Now views the tender’s release as part of an accelerated push to advance construction in E1.
Furthermore, Syrian and Israeli officials met in Paris on Tuesday for U.S.-mediated discussions aimed at brokering a security agreement to ease tensions between the two nations. A joint statement following the meeting highlighted the focus on respecting Syria’s sovereignty, stability, Israel’s security, and prosperity for both countries. Both sides agreed to establish a joint communication cell to facilitate immediate coordination on intelligence sharing, military de-escalation, diplomatic engagement, and commercial opportunities under U.S. supervision.
In a separate incident, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 11 individuals were injured during an Israeli incursion at a university in the West Bank. The university’s president condemned the military’s actions, stating that targeting the university had become a recurring event characterized by excessive force. Israeli authorities defended their actions, stating that military and border troops responded to disperse a large gathering that turned violent, with some individuals allegedly throwing rocks at them. Targeted fire was used against those engaged in violent activities.