The long-stalled project near Jerusalem, known as E1, further fragments West Bank lands envisioned as part of a Palestinian state, advancing a goal of Israeli hard-liners.

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

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…