By BISHOP JERRY L BOWERS AUGUST 26, 2026

Yitzhak Rabin was the first prime minister to advance the plan to build in the E1 area. The international community – primarily the United States – prevented the plan’s implementation for decades.

Fortunately, under President Donald Trump, the US changed its position, and the current government should be commended for carrying out its decision to build in the E1 area.

The publication of tenders for the first 1,400 housing units – the first stage in linking Ma’aleh Adumim to Jerusalem – sends a clear signal to the entire world of Israel’s commitment to preserving a united Jerusalem and maintaining a defensible border along the Jordan River against attacks from the east.