Netanyahu Signs E1 Settlement Deal, Rejects Palestinian State

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signed an agreement pushing ahead with the long-contested E1 settlement project, declaring unequivocally that “there will be no Palestinian state.” The announcement has triggered alarm among Palestinians, regional stakeholders, and the international community, who view the move as a direct threat to the already fragile peace process.

The E1 settlement plan, located between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim, has long been considered one of the most contentious expansion projects. Critics argue it would effectively sever the West Bank into two disconnected zones, undermining the territorial continuity needed for a two-state solution.
Palestinian leaders condemned the move as an “irreversible step” towards entrenching occupation, while rights groups described it as a serious violation of international law.

In parallel, regional tensions deepened after Israel’s rare strike in Doha, which targeted senior Hamas leadership. Qatar’s Emir attended the funeral of those killed in the attack, underscoring Doha’s solidarity. However, Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya was notably absent, fueling speculation about his fate following the strike.

Despite the escalating crisis, an Egyptian diplomatic source confirmed that Cairo will continue mediation efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire. Egypt remains a key broker in talks between Hamas, Israel, and international partners, though analysts caution that the latest developments could derail negotiations and inflame wider instability across the region.

Observers warn that advancing the E1 project, combined with the Doha strike, risks escalating violence, undermining trust in negotiations, and further isolating Israel on the global stage. The developments are seen as part of a broader shift in Israel’s regional strategy, prioritizing security dominance over political compromise.

Thank you for reading! For comprehensive news coverage and exclusive stories, visit SafartiTarjuman.com