Israel Matzav

Israel changing 'separation fence' route to keep 'Palestinians' out of E-1

After a second 'Palestinian' outpost in E-1 was demolished overnight, Haaretz's Barak Ravid reports that the Israeli security forces have decided to change the route of the 'separation fence' to keep 'Palestinians' out of E-1.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak has decided to close the breach in the separation fence between Jerusalem and Ma'aleh Adumim, thereby positioning the fence between the Palestinian village of Al-Zaim and the contested E-1 area. This would mean that Ma'aleh Adumim would be located outside the security fence and that Palestinians would be prevented from reaching area E-1.

The plan is to be presented to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his approval next week.
The breach in the fence at Al-Zaim, a small village just east of Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, is three kilometers wide. However, there is a wall west of Al-Zaim which was built to prevent the residents of Al-Zaim who are not permitted in Israel from reaching Jerusalem. (Al-Zaim can be accessed via the Al-Zaim checkpoint on the road leading from Jerusalem to Ma'aleh Adumim and the Dead Sea. )

The breach in the wall at Al-Zaim was reportedly left intact to allow Ma'aleh Adumim to be encircled by a huge loop in the security fence. However, the defense minister has now decided against including Ma'aleh Adumim within the security fence because of the astronomical cost of the loop.

With regard to Al-Zaim, the defense minister had two options: include it in Israeli territory or position it east of the fence. The main difference between the options has to do with E-1, in which Netanyahu plans to build a settlement, despite opposition by the international community.

Area E-1 ends behind Al-Zaim and is connected to the village by a path; this is how the Palestinians who built the outpost of Bab al-Shams over a week ago reached the site. 

Including Al-Zaim within the security fence will cut off Al-Zaim from E-1, leaving E-1 disconnected from Palestinian territory. 

Hmmm. No, I have not been able to find a map.

Labels: E-1, Maaleh Adumim, security fence

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:22 PM