IDF to hold hearing on contentious E1 settler building project

• Author: TOVAH LAZAROFF
• Published date: 03 October 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The plan has inched forward since 1994 despite intense opposition from the United States and Europe.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had allowed for the plan to be deposited in 2020, a move that brings the project close to the final approval stage.

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Left-wing groups, including Peace Now and Ir Amim, have filed an objection to the plan, which only now are scheduled to come before the Civil Administration on Monday.

Ir Amim said that a second hearing has already been set for October 18.

The Palestinian Authority, the International community and the Israeli Left hold that the plan would harm contiguous Palestinian development in that area, rendering a Palestinian state unviable.

But the Israeli Right has rejected that characterization, saying that development of E1 is critical to ensure Israel's hold on that territory and secure a unified Jerusalem.

The hearings would advance the project but would not be the final stage in the approval process.

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