Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally advanced a contentious plan to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, effectively undermining the possibility of a future Palestinian state. On Thursday, Netanyahu signed an agreement paving the way for construction of 3,400 new settlement units, a move that would sever East Jerusalem from large portions of the West Bank while linking existing Israeli settlements. “We are fulfilling our promise—there will be no Palestinian state. This land is ours,” Netanyahu declared, vowing to double the population of the planned settlement area. International observers warn the move could deepen Israel’s isolation, especially as several Western nations have recently announced plans to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly.