Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.

Israeli approval of the E1 settlement project in the West Bank has sparked controversy, with critics saying it threatens Palestinian statehood hopes. Despite international condemnation and previous U.

Construction in E1 is expected to begin immediately, while Ashahel’s plan reaches the deposit stage, a key step toward final approval. Israel’s Civil Administration approved major construction projects in West Bank,