Israel has crossed the final administrative barrier to begin construction of the highly controversial E1 settlement project, according to a newly published government tender seeking bids from developers. The project, located on open land east of Jerusalem, has been debated for more than two decades but repeatedly stalled due to international opposition, particularly pressure from previous US administrations.
The latest tender marks a major turning point. Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement watchdog, first reported the development and warned that work could begin within weeks. Yoni Mizrahi, head of the group’s settlement watch division, said the move indicates an accelerated push to advance construction.
The plan calls for 3,401 housing units, according to documents published by Israel’s Land Authority. Critics argue the E1 corridor stretches from the outskirts of Jerusalem deep into the occupied West Bank and would sever the territory, preventing the creation of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state.
The international community widely considers West Bank settlements illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace. The E1 project is viewed as particularly dangerous to future negotiations.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician overseeing settlement policy, has been one of the strongest advocates of the plan. In August, after final approval was granted, he said:
“The Palestinian state is being erased from the table not with slogans but with actions… every housing unit is another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”
US-Mediated Israel–Syria Talks Begin in Paris
In a separate major diplomatic development, Syrian and Israeli officials met in Paris on Tuesday in US-mediated talks aimed at reducing rising regional tensions. A joint statement said discussions focused on respecting Syria’s sovereignty, ensuring Israel’s security, and creating pathways for prosperity for both nations.
Both sides agreed to establish a joint communication cell to coordinate intelligence sharing, military de-escalation efforts, diplomatic engagement and commercial cooperation—under US supervision. The mechanism aims to avoid misunderstandings and manage disputes.
The talks follow major political upheaval in Syria, where insurgents led by now interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa ousted Bashar Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa has emphasized he does not seek conflict with Israel, but Israel remains wary, having seized control of the formerly UN-patrolled buffer zone and launched multiple strikes and incursions.
Syria’s main demand in talks remains withdrawal of Israeli forces and restoration of the 1974 disengagement agreement, while Israel insists on strong border security and protection of the Druze minority.
UN: First Time Since War Began That Gaza Has Enough Food Stocks
In humanitarian developments, the United Nations announced that aid agencies in Gaza now have sufficient food stock to meet full caloric needs for the first time since the war began, following an October ceasefire.
“This is the first round since October 2023 with sufficient stock,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.
However, aid delivery remains difficult after Israel revoked the licenses of more than 30 NGOs, including Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, and Norwegian Refugee Council.
The European Union has urged Israel to reverse the ban, warning of risks of death due to exposure, hunger and lack of medicine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed NGOs must be able to operate safely and predictably.
West Bank Raid Injures Students; Press Groups Slam Media Ban in Gaza
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that 11 people were injured during an Israeli raid at Birzeit University in the West Bank. University President Talal Shahwan said dozens of military vehicles stormed the campus, accusing forces of “clear brutality.” Israel said troops faced hundreds of protesters throwing stones and used “targeted fire.”
Meanwhile, major international media organizations have condemned Israel’s continued refusal to allow foreign journalists into Gaza, despite a three-month ceasefire. Israel has blocked independent media access since October 7, 2023. The Foreign Press Association has petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court, saying the government’s stance undermines transparency and press freedom.