The Foreign Ministry "rejects the attempt to impose foreign dictates upon it [Jerusalem]," it said Friday. Foreign ministers from European countries, Australia, and the United Kingdom on Friday condemned Israel's plans to construct a settlement east of Jerusalem,

The approval of the "E1" project would bisect the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, fragmenting territory Palestinians seek for an independent state. It was announced last week by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and received the final go-ahead from a Defence Ministry planning commission on Wednesday.

Analysts warn E1 plan will fragment Palestinian lands, undermining the viability of a future Palestinian state.