Kathmandu— The Israeli government last week announced it was accepting bids for the construction of over 1,200 units in E1, a proposed settlement in the occupied West Bank, just two months ahead of Israel’s general election. The E1 project would connect existing settlements to East Jerusalem, effectively dividing the West Bank and widely considered ending any possibility of a viable Palestinian state. While drawing condemnation from nations worldwide, some analysts believe the move is strategically timed to galvanize support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other far-right leaders by framing international criticism as external pressure against Israel.

Political Strategy Behind the Timing

Many on the Israeli right, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have historically benefited from international backlash against their policies. Since October 2023, Netanyahu has portrayed global criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza as evidence of the country being isolated and needing strong leadership to defend its interests. Following condemnation of the E1 plan by UK Foreign Minister Ed Miliband, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticized what he called a “patronising tone.”

The timing of the tender for construction is no accident, according to Nimrod Flaschenberg, an Israeli analyst based in Berlin. He believes both Netanyahu and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are leveraging the resulting outrage for electoral gain, with a similar increase observed in settler violence in the occupied West Bank – an area under Smotrich’s administrative control.

Widespread International Condemnation

The E1 settlement plan has faced near-universal condemnation from the international community. A joint statement released on Friday by foreign ministers from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates called for “immediate action to halt” the project. Earlier in the week, leaders from 15 European and North American nations – including traditional allies like the UK, France, and Germany – also voiced their opposition.

The group stated that E1 would “undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank.” While criticism has been strong, some observers note the lack of concrete penalties threatened if Israel proceeds with construction. The United States, while not directly criticizing E1, reiterated its opposition to any annexation of the West Bank.

Future of the Two-State Solution

Bezalel Smotrich previously stated that the new settlement would effectively end the possibility of a Palestinian state. Despite this assertion and decades of Israeli settlement expansion since 1967, some remain hopeful for a two-state solution. Analyst Nimrod Flaschenberg argues that declaring the situation irreversible is premature.

“Every time there’s a new illegal settlement, voices in the West say that this is the end of the two-state solution,” he said. “It definitely makes it less likely, but why the end? Every illegal settlement that’s been built can be demolished … why do we have to accept their presence as fact?” Political analyst Ori Goldberg described the timing of the E1 tender alongside other recent Israeli actions – such as bombing an airfield in Syria – as a deliberate provocation.

Impact on Palestinian Communities

The planned expansion threatens the livelihoods and displacement of approximately 18 Palestinian communities, primarily Bedouin, who have resided within the territory for decades. Thousands of Palestinians have already experienced home demolitions, displacement, and restricted access to essential services as Israel expands its road network in preparation for construction. In April 2026, Israeli forces demolished homes in the az-Za’im Bedouin community, displacing 23 people, including 15 children.

The UN has warned that the expansion of settlements and related infrastructure risks fragmenting the occupied West Bank and forcibly displacing these long-standing communities.

The E1 settlement plan remains a contentious issue with significant political ramifications both domestically within Israel and internationally. The upcoming elections will likely determine whether this controversial project moves forward, potentially further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.