German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced strong criticism on Wednesday of Israel's go-ahead for a highly contested settlement project in the occupied West Bank. "Such plans, if implemented, would be contrary to international law and would make a two-state solution impossible,

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.

Israel gave final approval to a controversial project to expand settlements in the West Bank, billed as dashing hopes of Palestinian statehood.