France blasts Israeli plans to build 3,400 homes east of Jerusalem

After years of delays, Israel signalled it is moving forward with E1 construction plan which would link Jerusalem and city of Ma’ale Adumim in Judea – with critics warning move would endanger the two-state solution.

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Israel has signalled it will resume planning work on a pair of large housing projects in a strategic corridor east of Jerusalem linking a major settlement bloc in Judea to the capital city, drawing sharp criticism from the French government.

For more than 30 years, Israel has mulled plans to build Israeli housing units in the 4.5-square-mile zone dubbed East 1 (E1) which separates eastern Jerusalem from the Adumim bloc, including the city of Ma’ale Adumim.

Home to nearly 40,000 people, Ma’ale Adumim is the third most populous Israeli community in Judea and Samaria.

It also sits astride a strategically important roadway, Highway 1, which connects Jerusalem to Judea and the Dead Sea.

Critics of Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria and supporters of the two-state solution have long opposed Israeli construction in E1, warning that the creation of a contiguous Israeli bloc from Jerusalem through Ma’ale Adumim would effectively cut in half the territory on Israel’s eastern border sought for a Palestinian state.

While planning for the expansion has proceeded in fits and starts since E1 was placed within the municipal boundaries of Ma’ale Adumim 1991, international pressure has led to the plan’s repeatedly being shelved.

In 2021, plans for construction in E1 were suspended by the Bennett government, following warnings from the European Union and the Biden administration that building in the area constituted a “red line.”

The current Israeli government has promoted the development of infrastructure necessary for large-scale construction in E1, but has hitherto not moved forward with approval of actual housing units in the area.

Now, however, Israel has signalled the procedural process for approving two housing plans in E1 has resumed, notifying objectors last week that a hearing has been scheduled for August 6th, during which they will be able to voice their criticisms of the plans.

A total of 3,412 housing units are slated for construction under the two plans in E1.

On Tuesday, France issued a statement condemning Israel’s plans in E1 and urging the Jewish state to abandon the project.

“France strongly opposes the resumption of the E1 settlement construction project as announced by the Higher Planning Council of the Israeli Civil Administration,” the French embassy in Israel announced.

“This is a project, frozen since 2021, that includes the construction of over 3,000 housing units east of Jerusalem.”

France reiterated past warnings that construction in E1 would threaten the viability of the two-state solution.

“This project must not go ahead. It violates international law and endangers the prospect of a two-state solution. France reiterates its condemnation of the settlement and all the tension and violence it provokes. It emphasizes that only a two-state solution can ensure lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

E1FranceJerusalemMa'ale Adumim