Israel gave final approval for a settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, which Palestinians say could dash hopes for a future Palestinian state.

L ONDON -- A controversial Israeli settlement plan that would effectively split the West Bank in two is gaining momentum after a key government committee -- the Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration under the Defense Ministry -- gave its approval.

Britain's Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office summoned Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to discuss the plans to establish a settlement in E1, between Jerusalem and Ma’aleh Adumim. Britain's Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office summoned Tzipi Hotovely to discuss the plans to establish a settlement in E1,