Netanyahu calls for construction in E-1

by Gil Hoffman
March 25, 2008

The E1 site, separated from Ma'aleh Adumim by Route 1.
Photo: Tovah Lazaroff

Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu called on Prime Minister Olmert on Tuesday to begin building in the E-1 region that connects Ma'ale Adumim to Jerusalem. According to Netanyahu, "The government of Israel has slowed down - to the point of a total freeze - all building in Ma'ale Adumim, while meanwhile allowing Arabs to build in the area."

The housing in E-1 was approved by Netanyahu when he was prime minister and has been stopped by all Israeli governments since, due to American pressure.

"The entire State of Israel was built not with the approval of the Arab and International communities, but despite their opposition," Netanyahu said during a tour of the area. "This policy will create an Arab noose around Jerusalem."

Netanyahu called on Shas to quit Olmert's government, saying that "indeed, Foreign Minister [Livni] has announced unequivocally that negotiations over the division of Jerusalem are taking place, and I am saying to Shas: If you wish to save Jerusalem, leave the government now."

Although Olmert has said that Israel eventually plans to build in E-1, construction has been frozen since 2004, in large part due to US opposition. Nevertheless, a police station along with access roads have already been built there.