Construction in E1 is expected to begin immediately, while Ashahel’s plan reaches the deposit stage, a key step toward final approval. Israel’s Civil Administration approved major construction projects in West Bank,

Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.

Israel gave final approval for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy plans for a future Palestinian state.