Former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot criticized the government’s recent decision to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank, describing it as “a mistake that comes at an international cost.” His comments came in an interview published Wednesday, ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections.
Eisenkot, who is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s primary challenger, voiced opposition to the Housing Ministry’s recent announcement opening bids for the construction of approximately 1,200 housing units in E1, a contested area situated between Jerusalem and the Ma’aleh Adumim settlement. He said the timing of the move is inappropriate and suggested that Netanyahu, who had previously opposed construction in the area, ultimately acquiesced due to coalition pressures.
The decision to advance settlement activity in E1 drew immediate international criticism. France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the plan, underscoring concerns over increased settlement expansion in occupied territories.
Eisenkot also accused far-right ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, of damaging Israel’s nationalist interests. He claimed their policies, along with settler violence against Palestinians, harm Israel’s international standing and jeopardize the future of the entire settlement enterprise.
Responding to Eisenkot’s remarks, Smotrich defended the construction efforts in a statement Thursday, characterizing them as a strategic move to prevent the establishment of what he described as a “terror-state” near Jerusalem. Smotrich further asserted that opposition to building in E1 equated to support for a Palestinian state.
Despite his opposition to the settlement plan, Eisenkot also rejected the concept of a two-state solution. He labeled the idea a “bitter mistake” and argued that Palestinian terrorism against Israel is deeply rooted and partly driven by religious motivations. Referring to the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Eisenkot stated, “Anyone who thinks about a two-state solution after October 7 is simply delusional.”
The debate over E1 reflects broader tensions within Israeli politics and society regarding territorial policy, national security, and the peace process with the Palestinians. The government’s push to expand settlements in E1 is seen by critics as a potential obstacle to future diplomatic negotiations and as heightening regional friction.