The United States Department of State has announced support for the construction of Jewish housing in the E1 area, linking Jerusalem and Maale Adumim. This marks a significant shift from previous American policies, which had warned that such development could undermine prospects for a Palestinian state. The plan includes thousands of new housing units in Maale Adumim, expected to double the city's population and disrupt Arab territorial continuity between Ramallah and Bethlehem. The move has been met with criticism from the Palestinian Authority and the international community, who see the area as vital for a future Palestinian state with its capital in eastern Jerusalem. Israeli officials have celebrated the approval, citing years of diplomatic delays and opposition from European nations.