The project, located in a tract of land known as E1 just east of Jerusalem, has been under discussion for more than two decades.

Construction in E1 is expected to begin immediately, while Ashahel’s plan reaches the deposit stage, a key step toward final approval. Israel’s Civil Administration approved major construction projects in West Bank,

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel gave final approval Wednesday for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, and that Palestinians and rights groups say could destroy hopes for a future Palestinian state.