Map of E-1 development and map of settlement blocs [source: ICAHD]
E-1 development was referred to recently by Ehud Olmert as settlement expansion he would undertake, in spite of American disapproval. There is indeed now a sign on the main Jericho Road advertising it (“Nof Adumim”). This filling in of the last remaining piece of open land between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem makes Maale Adumim Bloc segregate the West Bank into at least two separated “cantons” – north and south. It badly impacts on the Bethlehem-East Jerusalem-Ramallah salient of Palestinian economic activity, whilst preventing any natural expansion outwards of East Jerusalem, which is effectively throttled by this development, aided and abetted by the Wall. The road infrastructure is developing fast on E-1, as is Metzudat Adumim Border Police Base and Shabbak facility opposite Anata and a huge tunnel in that area, for Palestinians. At a time when all eyes are on the election smokescreen, Maale Zeitim (Ras al Amud) settlement is also expanding, the Rachel’s Tomb settlement compound has been surrounded by the Wall and will probably soon be inhabited (likely at Pesach), whilst house demolitions merrily proceed so that further settlement expansion in Occupied East Jerusalem can go ahead, including 13,500 units at Givat Yael, the new city planned for south west Jerusalem on Wallajeh land.
(PDF Files)![Map of E-1 development and map of settlement blocs [source: ICAHD]](../../../images/maps/mape-1.jpg){kind=link}
