Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is supporting his plan to advance settlement construction in the West Bank, particularly the long-stalled E1 project linking East Jerusalem to Maale Adumim. Speaking at an event organized by the Yesha Council, Smotrich described the move as a 'revolution' and a direct response to international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state. He emphasized that the government is now moving forward after decades of delays, aiming to secure a strategic and demographic connection that would strengthen Israel's hold on Jerusalem.

The E1 project has faced significant controversy, with critics warning it could undermine prospects for a future Palestinian state by dividing its territory. Smotrich thanked former United States President Donald Trump and Ambassador Mike Huckabee for their support, claiming they understand the risks posed by a Palestinian state to Israel's security. While Smotrich asserted Netanyahu's backing, neither the prime minister nor the American officials have publicly commented on the latest announcement. Smotrich also called on Netanyahu to apply Israeli sovereignty in the region and remove the possibility of dividing the land from future negotiations.