Israel approved the plan for the construction of new settlements on the western coast

The Israeli authorities finally approved the project for the construction of new settlements on the western bank of the Jordan River, reports Reuters.

The plan, called E1, provides for the development of the territory between Jerusalem and the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim. Thus, this will expand the territory surrounded by the Israeli around the East Jerusalem behind the “green line” (international recognized by the border of Israel) in the Palestinian territories.

The Minister of Finance of Israel, Botsalel Smozhri, called the decision "a step that essentially erases the illusory concept of the coexistence of the two states."

As Reuters explains, the construction of infrastructure can begin for several months, and the first houses for settlers may appear in about a year.

• Israeli settlements on the western bank began to appear after the six -day war of 1967. The international community considers the settlements illegal, as they are being built in the occupied territories. Israel rejects the charges of violation of international law. As of 2023, 144 Israeli settlements were located on the West Coast and East Jerusalem.
• The E1 plan first appeared back in 2010 - however, then against the backdrop of a sharp international reaction, Israel refused to implement it.