Mofaz: 'Keep building'
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Mofaz: Building in E1 national interest
During tour of Ma'aleh Adumim, Mevasseret Adumim area, Kadima MK assures residents, 'There is no problem with continuing to build in settlement blocs, I did so as defense minister, would continue to do so as prime minister'
MK Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) visited the E1 area between Ma'aleh Adumim and Jerusalem on Thursday, and said "Ma'aleh Adumim is a city and a part of greater Jerusalem."
He started his tour at Ma'aleh Adumim's city hall, and then visited the Mevasseret Adumim neighborhood in E1, where the importance of the neighborhood and its location were explained to him.
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Mofaz said this was not his first visit to the area, and in the past he had given construction permits in Mevasseret Adumim and Ma'aleh Adumim which allowed for the paving of a road leading up to the Judea and Samaria district police building.
"I urge the government to give similar permits to expand the city, as well as Mevasseret Adumim. This is a city… and is part of the construction of the country and the strengthening of greater Jerusalem and is a national interest."
Mofaz: Settlements shape state's future borders (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
On the question of whether the construction contradicts American demands, Mofaza said, "There is no contradiction between the desire to promote construction in Ma'aleh Adumim and the settlement blocs. These blocks will shape the future eastern borders of the State of Israel. Today the policy is unclear, and there is no political plan.
"There is no problem with continuing to build in the settlement blocs. I did so while I was defense minister, and if I were prime minister I would also continue the development of settlement blocs including Ma'aleh Adumim."
The mayor of Ma'aleh Adumim told Mofaz, "We have not taken any Palestinian territory or Palestinians' homes. This territory belongs to the State of Israel alone. We have no more land for construction in Ma'aleh Adumim and its growth rate is close to 700 people a year. If we do not start planning, there will be no place for our children to live. We need your help against the government and the Palestinians."
