According to the reports on Thursday (14 August), Israeli far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich has approved a controversial plan to separate East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank. According to Reuters, his office stated that the move is intended to “bury the idea” of a future Palestinian state. The decision has drawn attention for its potential to reshape the political and geographic landscape in the region.
The plan involves constructing 3,401 housing units for Israeli settlers in a key area linking Jerusalem with an existing West Bank settlement. This development would create a continuous settlement block, making it more difficult to establish territorial continuity for a Palestinian state. Critics warn such actions deepen divisions and hinder peace efforts.
Smotrich’s spokesperson said the minister will hold a press conference later on Thursday to share more details about the project. The statement framing the initiative as a way to end the possibility of Palestinian statehood signals the government’s firm stance on the issue. This aligns with broader far-right policies that prioritize settlement expansion.
The move is expected to draw international criticism, as previous settlement expansions have been condemned by much of the global community. For Palestinians, this step represents another blow to aspirations for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The development underscores the growing tension surrounding settlements and sovereignty in the region.
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Smotrich moves to split East Jerusalem from West Bank to block Palestinian state
