Last night, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved the construction of 3,401 new settlement units in the E1 settlement bloc east of occupied Jerusalem.

Smotrich's Statement (Quoted from Occupation Media Sources):

"After more than 20 years of political stagnation due to intense pressure from world nations, the E1 plan is finally being implemented."

He explained that the settlement project would:

• Link Ma'ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem

• Sever the territorial continuity between the West Bank and Jerusalem

• Effectively serve as 'the final nail in the coffin of the Palestinian state'

Key Implications:

1. Violation of International Law:

   • Direct breach of UNSC Resolution 2334 (2016) prohibiting settlements

   • Undermines two-state solution parameters

2. Geographic Impact:

   • Completes Israeli encirclement of East Jerusalem

   • Divides northern and southern West Bank

3. Political Context:

   • Part of Smotrich's far-right agenda to annex Area C

   • Comes despite US/EU warnings against unilateral actions

(Alternative Versions:)

1. Diplomatic Condemnation Style:
*"The Israeli occupation authorities have escalated their illegal annexation policy, with Smotrich boasting that the E1 project - frozen since 2005 due to international pressure - will terminate Palestinian self-determination prospects."*

2. Neutral News Reporting:
*"Israel advances controversial E1 settlement plan after two-decade freeze, drawing condemnation from Palestinian officials who warn it destroys peace prospects."*