US lawmakers seek sanctions for Israel’s ‘E1’ West Bank settlement plan

A group of US Senators, led by Chris Coons, is seeking to impose sanctions on facilitators of Israel’s 'E1' settlement project, which would connect Ma’ale Adumim to other illegal settlements in the West Bank. The plan would completely sever East Jerusalem from the West Bank, undermining the prospects for a Palestinian state. About ten Democrats are expected to co-sponsor the bill, which aims to condemn Israel’s settlement expansion and send a strong message amid growing discontent among US lawmakers over Israel’s policies in occupied Palestinian territories. The initiative highlights concerns over the potential destruction of future Palestinian statehood and increased violence by settlers.