If one does not yet understand the significance of the area between Yerushalayim and Maale Adumim, the area known as E1, the following report should assist in driving the point home.

On erev Shabbos, erev Rosh Chodesh Shevat, Arabs moved into position in the area near Maale Adumim to launch the first E1 outpost, sending a clear message to the outgoing administration, that the PA (Palestinian Authority) and its residents is not going to give up without a battle.

The outpost, named Bab el-Shams, was brought to the attention of the most senior cabinet ministers immediately, including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. The prime minister did not hesitate, ordering its immediate removal.

The Arabs on the other hand have learned from the lessons of Migron and the Ulpana community of Beit El to cite two examples, and the outpost leaders turned to Israel’s highest court, the ultra left-wing liberal High Court of Justice, which issued an injunction prohibiting the removal of the Arab outpost. The petitioners, members of the Bedouin community, explained to the court that the act was not one of political defiance but rather cultural expression. They simply wish to expand their local tourism market and since they maintain the land upon which the outpost is situated is private, not Israel state-owned, there is no land violation.

The Prime Minister’s Office was quick to respond, planning its counter petition to the High Court citing the security concerns associated with the outpost’s presence.

The PMO’s released the following statement on motzei Shabbos: Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has ordered security forces to evacuate forthwith the Palestinians who have gathered in the area between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem. To this end, the State will, this evening (Saturday, 11 January 2013), request that the High Court of Justice rescind the injunction that it had issued and which is delaying the evacuation. Until the High Court responds to the State’s motion, the Prime Minister has ordered the closure of access roads to the area in order to prevent gatherings. At this stage, the area has been declared a closed military zone.

The High Court received the state’s position and the green light was given. About 500 Yassam commando forces backed by 150 border police cleared the outpost on motzei Shabbos, completing the operation on Sunday morning 2 Shevat 5773 at about 4:00am. There was no violence on the side of the outpost residents.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)