Jerusalem’s Expanding Footprint: A Latest Settlement and the Future of Israeli-Palestinian Land Claims
A new settlement plan, poised for final approval, is set to expand Jerusalem’s boundaries for the first time since the 1967 Six-Day War. The agreement between the Israeli state and the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council proposes a new neighborhood for the existing Adam settlement, encompassing 2,780 housing units. However, the location’s unique geography – separated from Adam by a major road and the security barrier – raises questions about its true purpose and implications for the region.
A Strategic Location: Contiguity with East Jerusalem
While officially designated as an expansion of Adam, the proposed settlement’s physical proximity to the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Neve Yaakov is undeniable. The land, situated between the Palestinian towns of Hizma and Al-Ram, offers greater territorial connection to Neve Yaakov than to Adam itself. Critics, like the Peace Now organization, argue What we have is a deliberate strategy, effectively annexing land without formal declaration.
The Israeli government has allocated NIS 120 million ($39 million) for infrastructure, public spaces, and community institutions, signaling a significant investment in the project. Despite not yet receiving full authorization from the Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Committee – a process expected to seize up to two years – the Housing Ministry has already begun marketing 500 units for the first phase of development.
Annexation Concerns and Political Reactions
The plan has ignited controversy, with Peace Now labeling it a “backdoor annexation” and an “unprecedented expansion of Jerusalem.” The organization contends that the settlement will function as a de facto neighborhood of Jerusalem, despite being administratively linked to Adam. This sentiment is echoed by Democratic MK Gilad Kariv, who warned of a potential “explosion in the West Bank” and described the move as an “unprecedented act of annexation.”
Conversely, Israel Ganz, head of the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, hailed the development as the “realization of the settlement vision” for the region, promising further agreements to drive “dramatic change on the ground.”
Historical Context: Jerusalem’s Expanding Boundaries
Following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel expanded Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries through Knesset legislation and ministerial directives. All Israeli neighborhoods built in East Jerusalem since then have been considered settlements by most of the international community, but are contained within these expanded boundaries. This new plan marks the first instance of extending that expansion beyond the existing boundaries since 1967.
The Broader Trend: West Bank Settlement Expansion
This development occurs within a larger context of increasing settlement activity in the West Bank. Settlers are reportedly optimistic about further expansion, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Recent land and planning reforms, backed by the Security Cabinet, are also aimed at facilitating settlement growth.
The International Crisis Group highlights a pattern of “quickening annexation” in the West Bank, suggesting a deliberate strategy to solidify Israeli control over the territory. This includes not only new settlement construction but also changes to land registration and planning regulations.
FAQ: Understanding the New Settlement Plan
- What is the significance of this settlement? This is the first expansion of Jerusalem’s boundaries since 1967, raising concerns about annexation.
- Where is the settlement located? It’s situated between the Palestinian towns of Hizma and Al-Ram, closer to the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Neve Yaakov than to the Adam settlement.
- How many housing units are planned? The plan includes 2,780 housing units in a new “neighborhood” for Adam.
- What is the current status of the plan? It awaits final authorization from the Civil Administration, but marketing for the first phase has already begun.
Did you recognize? The proposed settlement is physically separated from the Adam settlement by Route 437 and the security barrier.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about developments in the region by following reputable news sources and organizations focused on Israeli-Palestinian affairs.
Explore further insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the evolving dynamics of settlement activity. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
