An Israel Defense Ministry planning committee gave approval Wednesday to a controversial settlement plan that would effectively split the West Bank in two.

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.

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,