The E1 debate is not just about West Bank settlement construction - it’s about security - opinion

The ongoing debate over construction in the E1 area between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim has evolved beyond its original focus on West Bank settlement building. At its core, the issue now revolves around security concerns for both Israel and a potential Palestinian state. However, the United States seems to be misguided in addressing this matter, as it is asking the wrong question about E1.

For decades, Palestinian leadership has rejected the idea of coexisting with a Jewish state, as evidenced by their numerous rejections in 1948, 1967, 2000, 2001, and 2007-08. These rejections stem from a deep-seated belief that a permanent Jewish state cannot exist within the borders of a future Palestinian state. This mindset must be taken into account when considering the future of E1.

The strategic importance of E1 cannot be overstated. Highway 1, which runs east from Jerusalem, directly passes through E1 and Maaleh Adumim, providing a critical link between Israel's coastal population centers and its eastern frontier. This highway is essential for the rapid movement of troops, weapons, and supplies towards the Jordan Valley, a region of significant strategic importance for Israel.

With Jordan's long-term stability in question, there is a growing concern that Israel's eastern frontier could transform from a relatively peaceful border into a highly volatile area. If this were to happen, Israel's eastern border could become one of its most dangerous. The writer, who has spoken with Israeli military personnel and intelligence officials, has firsthand knowledge of the growing threat posed by weapons and narcotics smuggling across Israel's eastern frontier.

The writer argues that the decision regarding E1 should not be about whether Israelis can build homes there, but rather about whether Israel can safely relinquish security control of this strategically critical corridor. From an Israeli security perspective, the answer is clear: E1 should not come under Palestinian security control in the foreseeable future. The valley, where E1 is located, constitutes Israel's eastern strategic barrier and could become even more important if Jordan were to become destabilized.

In conclusion, the debate over E1 is a question of strategic depth, military mobility, and Israel's ability to defend its eastern frontier in the event of a future conflict. American policymakers should stop treating E1 as an Israeli-Palestinian real-estate dispute and recognize its fundamental importance to Israel's security.