Israel on Wednesday gave final approval to settlement construction plans in the E1 area, which would sever the northern West Bank from the south. The long-disputed plans, delayed for years under international pressure, have far-reaching implications for the viability of a two-state solution and are expected to draw sharp global criticism.

Israel on Wednesday gave final approval to settlement construction plans in the E1 area, which would sever the northern West Bank from the south. The long-disputed plans, delayed…

Location of E1 is significant because it is one of the last geographical links between Bethlehem and Ramallah.