<h1>Government approves large settlement project in occupied territory that could sever territorial contiguity and impede two-state outcome</h1> A government approved a large settlement project in occupied territory that would bisect the area and likely sever territorial contiguity essential to a prospective sovereign entity. International bodies and rights groups regard such settlement construction as unlawful under occupation law and an obstacle to a negotiated two-state outcome. The decision, advanced by a far-right minister with delegated authority over settlement policy, raises legal issues including de facto annexation, alteration of demographics and facts on the ground, restrictions on freedom of movement for the occupied population, and potential breaches of obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.