E1 and the question nobody asks
The world is once again in high dudgeon over Jews building homes near Jerusalem.This time, the cause is E1, a roughly 12-square-kilometer area between Jerusalem and the city of Ma’ale Adumim. Britain, for example, has reacted to Israel’s latest construction plans as though bulldozers were about to bury the peace process.Before accepting such rhetoric, it helps to understand the map.The Oslo Accords divided Judea and Samaria into Areas A, B and C. There is no “Area E.” E1 is simply a planning area within Area C.Area A contains the major Palestinian population centers under Palestinian Authority civilian and internal security control. In Area B, the P.A. exercises civilian authority while Israel retains overriding security responsibility. Area C remained under Israeli control for security, land-use planning and zoning pending a permanent status agreement.The demographics of the area matter as well. Area A comprises only about 18% of Judea and Samaria, but…
The article discusses the international controversy surrounding Israeli construction plans in E1, an area between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim. It highlights that E1 is a planning area within Area C, which, according to the Oslo Accords, remains under Israeli control. Critics argue that building in E1 would disrupt Palestinian territorial contiguity, while the article contends that Israeli contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim is equally important. It points out a perceived double standard, noting that European Union-financed Palestinian construction in Area C, including around E1, is considered humanitarian aid, while Israeli construction is deemed an obstacle to peace. The article concludes that demanding Israel leave E1 untouched while Palestinian development continues unilaterally alters facts on the ground and that Israel's security interests in controlling approaches to Jerusalem, especially after October 7, are paramount.
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