The area between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem known as E1 is slated for a major building project called Mevaseret Adumim, intended to create a contiguity between Maale Adumim and the capital.

While several prime minister have spoken out in favor of the project, explaining the significance of connecting Maale Adumim to Yerushalayim, pressure exerted by the United States against the project has resulted in the ongoing freeze. The question now remains regarding the future of this vital project as America and Israel both usher in new administrations.

Israel appears to be working to create facts on the ground, spending over NIS 200 million in the past two years on infrastructure in the area, perhaps hoping to overcome American pressure and PA (Palestinian Authority) objections. PA leaders are aware such a reality would significantly diminish chances of PA land contiguity from eastern Jerusalem to Ramallah, something PA leaders hope to achieve as they continue towards their vision of a PA state with eastern Jerusalem serving as its capital.

The disputed area, E1, was added to Maale Adumim in 1994, and in 1999, during the transition between the Netanyahu and Barak administrations, Israel’s highest planning committee put its stamp of approval on the master plan.

Since then, roadways have been constructed, some three-lane paved roads, a bridge, the Shai (Shomron-Yehuda) police headquarters, and a bypass road permitting Arab residents to travel from the Ramallah area to eastern Jerusalem without the need to enter Mevaseret Adumim. In addition, some traffic signals are in place, road markings, fences and traffic circles, all in the hope of setting the infrastructure in place towards expeditious construction of the new community.

On the eve of the 2006 elections, Ehud Olmert stated with certainty that construction would take place, adding Israel does not plan to leave Maale Adumim isolated but will build and connect it to the capital as planned.

Kadima leader Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni stated Maale Adumim will remain an integral portion of Israel in a final agreement but other issues, the E1 corridor, are subject to negotiations.

Aides to Defense Minister Barak stated that Maale Adumim is an integral portion of Israel and E1 area is the corridor connecting it to the capital, adding it is important that it remain a part of the state.

Likud premier hopeful Binyamin Netanyahu released a statement that unlike Kadima’s leader, he has taken steps towards preserving Jerusalem, not just speaking about it and remains committed to Jerusalem’s future, in actions, not just in words.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)