Israel has launched a controversial megaproject: 1,234 apartments could cut the West Bank in two

Israel has begun constructing a controversial corridor in the E1 area east of Jerusalem, which could potentially split the West Bank into two separate regions. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Turkey, which called the project “spatial genocide.” The Israeli Ministry of Housing and Construction officially launched a tender for the construction of 1,234 residential units in the E1 zone, a decision that threatens to disrupt the territorial continuity of the West Bank. The E1 area covers approximately 12 square kilometers of Palestinian land between East Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. It was envisioned as a densely built corridor of residential, industrial, and tourist zones designed to physically connect these two points. Strategically, this corridor would cut through the West Bank from north to south, breaking the territorial link between Bethlehem, East Jerusalem, and Ramallah. This action would directly endanger around 3,700 Palestinians, primarily Bedouin communities. The construction in E1 has long been considered a critical step that could ultimately prevent the creation of a contiguous Palestinian territory. While the plan has existed for years, it remained frozen for decades due to international pressure and concerns over its implications for peace negotiations. American administrations under George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump’s first term, and Joe Biden have consistently described the E1 construction as particularly harmful to prospects for peace talks and contrary to longstanding U.S. policy. However, the approach changed during Donald Trump’s second term. In May, Guy Yifrach, mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, confirmed that the project had been delayed for decades and praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for finally allowing it to proceed. He stated that the delay was due to “obstacles and delays” that were removed only recently. Turkey has strongly condemned the Israeli plans. A spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Ömer Çelik, described the E1 project as a “new and dangerous phase” of violence against Palestinians, accusing Netanyahu’s government of implementing a policy he termed “Judaization” of the West Bank. He further claimed that the expansion of illegal settlements constitutes “spatial genocide.” Turkey, along with Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, signed a joint statement calling for an immediate halt to the E1 project. These nations have historically supported Palestinian statehood and opposed actions that undermine the viability of a future independent Palestinian state. The current developments represent the culmination of a process that began several months ago. A turning point occurred on February 8, 2026, when the Israeli security cabinet approved a package of measures aimed at abolishing the Jordanian ban on Jewish land sales, opening land registries to the public, and expanding Israeli civilian and police authority over Palestinian areas in the West Bank. At that time, Energy Minister Eli Cohen openly acknowledged that these measures represented “de facto sovereignty,” stating they effectively established the reality that there will be no Palestinian state. Seven days later, the government allocated more than 244 million shekels for a mechanism to register land in Area C, where nearly 58 percent of the land remains unregistered according to the organization Peace Now. This situation leaves Palestinians, hindered by outdated Ottoman-era property laws, in a near-impossible position to prove ownership. An UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report covering the period up to October 2025 documented 1,732 incidents of settler violence with consequences for victims or property, and recorded forced displacement affecting more than 36,000 Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Time magazine that the West Bank is “part of our homeland” and that Israel “intends to remain there.” His ministers, especially Smotrich and Gallant, systematically implement policies that analysts from the International Crisis Group describe as transforming occupation into de facto sovereignty through bureaucratic maneuvering. The European Union has so far acted cautiously and incrementally. Its response has been measured, reflecting broader geopolitical complexities and the need to balance diplomatic relations with both Israel and Palestine. As the deadline for submitting bids approaches on October 19, just one week before Israeli parliamentary elections, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential ramifications for regional stability and the ongoing peace process.