Smotrich, speaking at a press conference alongside settlement advocates, stated that Israel is reclaiming land that he believes has been divinely designated for Jewish settlement, dismissing concerns regarding international recognition of a Palestinian state. In response, international actors including the US State Department, the EU, and UK officials have urged Israel to halt its plans amid fears it may exacerbate conflict in the region. The construction of new housing units in E1, long seen as a roadblock to Palestinian statehood, highlights the intensifying tensions following recent violence in Gaza and increased Israeli pressure on West Bank Palestinians. Human rights organizations and Palestinian authorities have condemned these actions, asserting that they contribute to the ongoing cycle of violence and oppression within the region.