David Lammy posted on X: “The UK condemns the decision by Israel’s Higher Planning Committee today to approve the E1 settlement plan.
“If implemented, it would divide a Palestinian state in two, mark a flagrant breach of international law and critically undermine the two-state solution.
“The Israeli government must reverse this decision.”
Peace Now said: "Under the cover of war, Smotrich and his messianic minority are building a settlement doomed for evacuation in any agreement. E1's sole aim is to sabotage a political solution and rush toward a bi-national apartheid state."
E1 has been sought after for development by pro-settlement Israeli politicians for over two decades, but plans were repeatedly halted due to pressure from previous US administrations.
“The Palestinian state is being erased from the table”, said Smotrich, “not with slogans but with actions.”
The plan has been praised by the mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, Guy Yifrach, who said in a statement that he was “pleased to announce” the approval of new settlements.
The Palestinian Authority denounced the decision, saying it undermined any hope of a two-state solution.
