E1 settlement plan tests two-state prospects as Israel heads to elections

Israel invited bids to build more than 1,200 homes in E1, linking Ma’ale Adumim to East Jerusalem and effectively splitting the West Bank, a move many say would end the prospect of a Palestinian state. It drew broad international condemnation from the UN, EU and other leaders, though some right-wing figures, including Netanyahu, may use the backlash for political gain ahead of elections. The United States opposed West Bank annexation but did not publicly criticize E1; analysts say the reactions could be leveraged to bolster domestic support, while the UN warns the expansion could fragment the West Bank and displace Palestinian communities.