On the Map.. Israel Moves Forward with a Settlement Plan that Threatens the 'Two-State Solution'

- The Israeli government has pushed forward a new settlement plan in the West Bank, despite international condemnations, which could divide the area and undermine the chances of reaching a two-state solution. In this context, the Israeli Ministry of Housing issued a declaration to invite bids for the construction of more than 1,200 housing units in the "E1" area near Jerusalem; a step aimed at establishing a contiguous Jewish settlement bloc extending from East Jerusalem deep into the West Bank.

This settlement project could split the West Bank into two parts (northern and southern), making the establishment of a geographically connected Palestinian state impossible, in addition to separating East Jerusalem - which is viewed as the capital of that state - from the rest of the West Bank.