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.

Perhaps Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's E1 Settlement Plan to Split the West Bank Is Actually Doing Us All a Favor, as We Can Finally Put the Nail in the Long-sitting…

Approval granted for controversial E1 settlement project in West Bank, threatening Palestinian statehood and peace efforts.