Israel’s government has approved the construction of a new bypass road in the occupied West Bank, a move that will separate traffic for Palestinians and Israelis near the Maale Adumim settlement.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday, aims to improve traffic flow between Jerusalem, Maale Adumim, and the eastern Binyamin region, strengthening transportation links and facilitating the continued expansion of illegal settlements in the E1 area.
The project has drawn significant criticism from the international community, as it is feared it will further divide the West Bank and hinder the establishment of a future Palestinian state.
The route of the new road has also been condemned by anti-settlement groups, such as Peace Now, which described it as a “new apartheid road.” The road would reroute Palestinian traffic, diverting it away from the main road used by Israelis.
Palestinian group Hamas also condemned the road project, accusing Israel of exposing its intentions to expand settlements in occupied territories, particularly in East Jerusalem.
Israel’s actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have been widely regarded as illegal under international law, with settlements being deemed unlawful by the United Nations and most foreign governments, while the US continues to support it.
