After more than two decades of political stagnation caused by persistent international pressure and opposition from the Palestinian Authority, the E1 plan in Ma’ale Adumim is moving forward with the approval of 3,401 new housing units and another 3,515 units in the “Desert Bird” neighborhood, together expected to add around 35,000 new residents in the coming years.
The plan, which connects Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem and disrupts Arab territorial contiguity between Ramallah and Bethlehem, is viewed as a decisive move that buries the idea of a Palestinian state. From the perspective of the Palestinian Authority and the international community, this strategic area is considered essential for the establishment of a Palestinian state with its capital in eastern Jerusalem.
Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated: “The approval of the construction plans in E1 buries the idea of a Palestinian state and continues the many actions we are advancing on the ground as part of the de facto sovereignty plan initiated with the formation of the government. After decades of international pressure and freezes, we are breaking conventions and connecting Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem. This is Zionism at its best- building, settling, and strengthening our sovereignty in the Land of Israel.”
This is an incredible step toward ending the delusional dream of a two-state solution and MK Smotrich’s work is to be commended. It seems like so many decisions made and actions taken in the last year are heading toward to the goal of sovereignty. As Israel progresses to a new level with the approval of building new housing, let’s remember that the ultimate action to truly bury the idea of a two-state solution rests on the full application of sovereignty across Judea and Samaria NOW!