Jewish man builds outpost (file)
Jewish man builds outpost (file)Israel news photo: Flash 90

Activists for Israeli settlement in Judea and Samaria (Shomron) are planning a mass action to keep the E1 area in Maaleh Adumim in Israeli hands, long-time activist Daniella Weiss reports.

Speaking to Arutz Sheva, Weiss reported that there are many families prepared to live in the E1 area even before homes are built. Their presence would deter Arab efforts to claim E1 through settlement activity of their own.

Maaleh Adumim Mayor Benny Kashriel supports the plan, Weiss said. “[E1] is a neighborhood that is part of Maaleh Adumim, and that is planned to be the site of thousands of housing units,” she explained.

“Benny Kashriel has a vision… He sees how the Arabs are taking over state-owned land within Maaleh Adumim,” she added.

“It’s true that the United States, Europe and the Arabs oppose this connection [through settlement] between Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim,” Weiss said. “That’s why we thought someone needs to take the lead.”

Weiss said that 1,000 people are expected to take part in the mass settlement plan, and that it will go into effect in the near future.

The plan has support from politicians, rabbis and other community leaders, she said. She said she expects support from the government as well, “The current government has demonstrated great sympathy to the idea of the land of Israel,” she explained.

“We aren’t planning to play ‘hide and seek,’” she continued. “On the contrary, we plan to boldly raise the debate over whether the land is ours, or should, G-d forbid, be split into two states for two peoples… The government must come to a decision on this topic.”