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,

The German government has said Israel should not implement a plan to build thousands of new housing units at a settlement in the occupied West Bank. The Foreign Ministry has said the move violates international law.

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.