The Israeli government convened on Wednesday to deliberate the construction of thousands of new, illegal housing units in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank.

The planning committee is widely expected to approve the contentious proposal imminently.

The hearing proceeded unilaterally, with opponents absent after their request to delay the session—so all parties could prepare adequately—was rejected.

The E1 plan is highly controversial, as it threatens to sever the northern West Bank from the south, jeopardizing Palestinian territorial continuity.

Previously deferred in 2023 under U.S. pressure, the initiative has recently gained momentum, with Israel greenlighting road expansions and restrictions barring Palestinian access.

The move is likely to deepen tensions and further complicate prospects for a two-state solution.

Al Jazeera.