Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim hails the long-awaited E1 building plan as “de facto sovereignty,” declaring it will secure Jerusalem, block Palestinian statehood, and mark a turning point in Israel’s post–October 7th resolve.
Yesha Council CEO Omer Rahamim is celebrating what he calls a historic, strategic victory for Israel: the advancement of the long-stalled E1 construction plan linking Ma’ale Adumim to Jerusalem.
“This is an exciting day. After 30 years, Israel has finally decided to build in E1… This strategic area prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state and puts an end to that unnecessary dream,” Rahamim said.
Strategic Link, Strategic Message
Rahamim emphasized that the E1 corridor:
- Secures territorial continuity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim
- Blocks Palestinian territorial linkage between Ramallah and Bethlehem
- Strengthens Israel’s security buffer for the capital
Calling Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s decision to push the plan forward “bold and dramatic,” Rahamim stressed the timing — as Arab and European states intensify Palestinian statehood advocacy — sends an unmistakable message.
‘De Facto Sovereignty’ Post–October 7th
Rahamim argued that E1 is far more than development:
“It is de facto sovereignty… a declaration there will be no Palestinian state between the Jordan River and the sea.”
Referencing the Hamas atrocities of October 7th, he said:
“We must decide — even if the world disapproves. Our security is non-negotiable. The world will talk — and we will act.”
International Pressure Won’t Halt the Plan
Responding to foreign criticism, Rahamim dismissed claims that such moves provoke recognition of Palestinian statehood:
“Those who promote a terrorist state 300 meters from Kfar Saba cannot be considered friends. We will apply sovereignty because it is historically, biblically, culturally, and security-wise the right thing to do. The world will eventually recognize it — just like no one today backs Syrian sovereignty over the Golan Heights.”
He highlighted domestic consensus, noting that 71 Knesset members supported a sovereignty proposal he co-led, with only five Jewish MKs opposed.
Backed by Washington’s Third-Highest Official
Rahamim also pointed to the recent visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives to Ariel and Shilo, where the Speaker blessed the move and declared:
“This land belongs to the Jewish people.”
For Rahamim, that statement reflects the kind of international affirmation that will ensure there is no repeat of October 7th.
