Israel Opens Tenders for West Bank Settlement Project
Israel has opened up tenders for the construction of some 1,200 settlement homes in a strategically important part of the occupied West Bank, as the government seeks to end any chance of a Palestinian state.
Plans for E1 Area
The development would effectively divide the West Bank in two and isolate East Jerusalem. The deadline for bids is just days before Israel’s October general election, making it harder for any future government to overturn any tenders issued.
International Law and Settlements
Settlements are illegal under international law. Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem—land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state—during the 1967 Middle East war.
Recent Expansion
Despite fierce international opposition, successive Israeli governments have allowed settlements to grow. This has increased significantly since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power in late 2022 and the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
E1 Construction Plans
Israel held off for decades on plans to build in E1, but the current government gave the go-ahead a year ago to "erase" the idea of a Palestinian state.
The housing ministry has now issued a tender for 1,234 of the 3,401 housing units approved last August, covering about 12 sq km (4.6 sq miles) between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Maale Adumim.
The deadline for bids is 19 October, just days before the general election on 27 October.
