Israel launches settlement plan to 'divide' West Bank

Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would start on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, a move his office said would “bury” the idea of a Palestinian state.

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The Palestinian government, allies and campaign groups condemned the scheme, calling it illegal and saying the fragmentation of territory would rip up peace plans for the region.

The European Union rejects any territorial change involving Israel and Gaza that is not part of a political agreement, a European Commission spokesperson said in response to questions on Thursday.

Standing at the site of the planned settlement in Maale Adumim on Thursday, Smotrich, a settler himself, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump had agreed to the revival of the El development, though there was no immediate confirmation from either.

"Whoever in the world is trying to recognise a Palestinian state today will receive our answer on the ground. Not with documents nor with decisions or statements, but with facts.

Facts of houses, facts of neighbourhoods,” Smotrich said.

Asked about his remarks, a US State Department spokesperson said: “A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” and referred reporters to Israel's government for further information.