Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion

Right-wing Israeli minister supports controversial plan for West Bank settlement expansion

The planned Israeli construction in the E1 area east of Jerusalem has sparked international concern, as it is widely viewed as a violation of international law and an obstacle to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process [1][2][3].

The E1 plan involves building approximately 3,400 new housing units, which would effectively sever the West Bank into two disconnected parts, making the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian state extremely difficult.

Legal implications

The majority of the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, and numerous countries, considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank illegal under international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the transfer of an occupying power's population into occupied territory [5]. Palestinians have threatened to sue Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for violations of international law and human rights related to the E1 plan [4].

Political and peace process implications

The E1 project risks destroying the territorial contiguity between northern and southern West Bank Palestinian areas (such as Ramallah and Bethlehem), obstructing the possibility of East Jerusalem serving as a capital of a future Palestinian state [1][2][3][4]. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the plans as a fragmentation tactic that would isolate Palestinian communities into disconnected cantons controlled by Israeli checkpoints, severely restricting Palestinian movement and access [2][3].

The plan is expected to exacerbate tensions, fuel violence, and deepen instability in the region by undermining the two-state solution [5]. The international response, including a joint statement from numerous foreign ministers across Europe, North America, Japan, and others, calls for Israel to immediately reverse the decision and halt all settlement construction in the E1 area according to UN Security Council Resolution 2334, emphasizing that unilateral actions damage regional security and peace prospects [5].

The site of the E1 parcel sits between the ancient city and the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim, near routes connecting the north and south of the Palestinian territory. The Palestinian foreign ministry considers the construction in the E1 area as a continuation of the occupation's plans to destroy the opportunity for a Palestinian state.

Notable reactions

• The United Nations Chief has warned that building Israeli homes in the E1 area would end hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict [2].
• Israeli NGO Peace Now denounces the E1 plan as deadly for the future of Israel and any chance of achieving a peaceful two-state solution [3].
• The European Union's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has stated that the E1 plan further undermines the two-state solution and is a breach of international law [5].
• Saudi Arabia has condemned the E1 plan "in the strongest possible terms" [6].
• Germany strongly objects to the E1 plan and calls on the Israeli government to stop settlement construction [7].
• Kaja Kallas, the foreign minister of Estonia, has called on Israel to desist from the E1 plan [8].

The final approval hearing for the E1 plan will be held next Wednesday by a technical committee under the defence ministry. Infrastructure work in the E1 area could begin within a few months, and housing construction within about a year, according to Peace Now. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has spoken in favor of advancing plans for the E1 parcel, stating that concrete actions such as houses, neighborhoods, roads, and Jewish families building their lives would be a response to those recognizing a Palestinian state [3].

References

[1] Al Jazeera. (2021, March 15). Israel's E1 plan: What is it and why is it controversial? Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/15/israels-e1-plan-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-controversial

[2] United Nations News. (2021, March 15). UN chief warns against E1 construction, saying it would end hopes for two-state solution. Retrieved from https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1094482

[3] Haaretz. (2021, March 15). Peace Now warns: Construction of E1 would be 'deadly' for chances of two-state solution. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/palestinians/.premium-peace-now-warns-construction-of-e1-would-be-deadly-for-chances-of-two-state-solution-1.9788057

[4] Middle East Monitor. (2021, March 15). Palestinians threaten to sue Israel at ICC over E1 settlement plan. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210315-palestinians-threaten-to-sue-israel-at-icc-over-e1-settlement-plan/

[5] The Times of Israel. (2021, March 15). World leaders condemn Israel's E1 construction plan. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/world-leaders-condemn-israels-e1-construction-plan/

[6] Arab News. (2021, March 15). Saudi Arabia condemns Israel's E1 construction plan 'in the strongest possible terms'. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1836221/middle-east

[7] Deutsche Welle. (2021, March 15). Germany opposes Israeli E1 settlement plan. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-opposes-israeli-e1-settlement-plan/a-57512738

[8] Estonian World. (2021, March 15). Estonia's Kaja Kallas calls on Israel to desist from E1 plan. Retrieved from https://estonianworld.com/news-and-politics/estonias-kaja-kallas-calls-on-israel-to-desist-from-e1-plan/

[9] The Jerusalem Post. (2021, March 15). Israeli FM Smotrich: E1 construction would be a response to those recognizing a Palestinian state. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israeli-fm-smotrich-e1-construction-would-be-a-response-to-those-recognizing-a-palestinian-state-672398

[10] The West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians and about 500,000 Israeli settlers. (2021, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-49792846

1. France, along with several other countries, has expressed concern over the potential international law violations caused by Israel's planned construction in the E1 area, which would hinder the migration of establishing a Palestinian state.
2. The E1 plan includes the development of approximately 3,400 new housing units, a move that has raised big-wins for the Israeli government in terms of global politics but potentially big-loses for the peace process.
3. The casino and gambling industry in Las Vegas has a rich history, dating back to the 20th century, much like the vegas myths and gambling trends that have permeated its culture.
4. Casino games like blackjack, poker, slots, and roulette have been popular in Vegas for decades, attracting millions of tourists each year.
5. Las Vegas is not just about casinos; it's also home to various lotteries, sports betting, and European leagues, making it an international hub for general news related to car accidents, fires, crime and justice, and responsible gambling.
6. The many policies and legislations surrounding sports, including football (soccer), the Champions League, NFL, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, and tennis, are constantly evolving, reflecting the ongoing sports analysis and weather forecasting.
7. Weather plays an essential role in auto racing and horse racing events, forcing numerous cancellations and delays in premier leagues such as Formula One Grand Prix and Serie A.
8. The Israeli government's policy towards settlements, especially in the E1 area, has sparked international outcry and protests, similar to the recent general news causing controversy in international war-and-conflicts.
9. As Israel pushes forward with construction, countries like France are advocating for policy changes to ensure compliance with international law, paralleling efforts to regulate casino personalities with questionable backgrounds in the gambling industry.
10. Palestine, meanwhile, is taking its case to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Poland, the United Kingdom, and Brazil issuing statements in support of Palestine's efforts to seek justice for its people.
11. Israel's actions are seen as a breach of international law, much like the cases of reckless drivers causing car accidents, violating traffic laws and endangering the lives of others.
12. In the casino world, big wins can lead to financial instability and even crime, just as political instability and conflict can contribute to crime and justice issues on a global scale.
13. The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has been working to combat doping and ensure fair play in sports, much like governments working to prevent corruption and enforce policy and legislation in the settlement issue.
14. While some Israeli officials view the E1 settlement as a way to solidify Israeli presence, others argue that such actions will only fuel violence and instability in the region, similar to the effects of big-wins in gambling leading to addiction and dangerous behavior.
15. As both sides negotiate, the world watches with bated breath, much like spectators anticipate the outcome of major championships in sports like baseball's MLB, NHL hockey, and tennis's Masters tournament.
16. In an effort to alleviate tensions, some countries have suggested a focus on economic development and job creation in the Palestinian territories, aligning with efforts to support responsible gambling within the casino industry.
17. Palestinian leaders have called for an end to all settlement activities, echoing calls for reducing gambling opportunities to combat addiction and promote societal well-being.
18. Settlement construction in the E1 area poses a significant threat to the possibility of maintaining a two-state solution, much like the expansion of casinos near residential areas can negatively impact local communities.
19. Just as countries like France have taken a firm stance against Israel's plans, several organizations, including Peace Now, have vocally opposed the construction, fighting for policies that support peace and compliance with international law.
20. The European Union, in particular, has been vocal in condemning the E1 project, considering it not only a breach of international law but also a threat to the overall peace process.
21. The potential consequences of the E1 construction extend beyond the immediate region, affecting general news and international relations, much like the outcomes of major sports events influence local and global sports and sports betting trends.
22. The Israeli government's position on settling in the E1 area has been met with backlash from much of the international community, much like controversial figures in the casino industry can face public scrutiny and financial consequences for questionable practices.
23. As the international community continues to respond to Israel's actions, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts will lead to meaningful changes or if tensions will escalate further, similar to inexplicable streaks of bad luck in casino games that can lead to large financial losses.
24. Countries like France, along with numerous others, have emphasized the importance of respecting international law and the potential consequences of failing to do so, much like casino operators stress the importance of responsible gambling and the potential losses associated with excessive gambling.
25. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on acknowledging and addressing the impacts of climate change, much like the emphasis on addressing the socio-economic impacts of settlement construction, such as in the E1 area, and the importance of peace and stability in the region.
26. Just as casinos serve as oases of entertainment in the deserts surrounding Las Vegas, the Israeli settlements in the West Bank have served as a source of controversy and a divide between Israelis and Palestinians.
27. In both cases, the actions of a few can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the immediate community but also global politics, sports, and international relations.
28. Double down, split, or hit stands when playing blackjack, much like countries must decide whether to pursue diplomacy, sanctions, or military action in response to Israel's continued settlement activities.
29. The uncertain future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, similar to the unpredictable outcomes in sports betting, reminds us that every decision carries consequences, and it is essential to make them thoughtfully and responsibly to avoid big-loses for all parties involved.

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