Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) visits the scene where a suspected shooting attack took place at the outskirts of Jerusalem, September 8, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

Mr. Netanyahu said he will safeguard Israel’s heritage and land and double the city's population.

Israel has long had ambitions to build on the 12-square-kilometre tract of land known as E1 in East Jerusalem, but the plan had been stalled for years in the face of international opposition.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said the settlement will effectively cleave the West Bank in two and pose an "existential threat" to a Palestinian state. All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are illegal under international law.

Several Western governments, including Britain and France, have announced they intend to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations later this month.