The future train plans show that it would have helped Umm al-Fahm, Wadi ‘Ara, ‘Ar’ara, and Masmus, as it would have fostered economic growth. However, when the [Israeli] central planning committee found out about this, it diverted the route further west towards the sea [replacing the initial plan by an alternative Menashe train running up north]. [Israel] does not desire for commercial centers to exist in Arab [Palestinian] areas, as it is understood that the presence of a train station leads to the presence of a commercial center. Engineer #2 Interview: Nazareth, 8 November 2019 The current public transportation network is entirely dedicated to the improvement of connectivity between and to Israeli-Jewish populations, while consolidating the segregation of Palestinian communities. “This is due to the state’s desire to keep the Palestinians under [Israeli] rule.”368 The poorly inadequate public transportation contributes to the economic isolation of Umm al-Fahm, leaving residents wholly dependent on the IsraeliJewish economy, subjecting its residents to long and tedious commutes to seek employment outside the city, or eventually impairing their ability to commute from one place to another. I have previously been offered multiple employment opportunities outside of Umm al-Fahm, but have not been able to accept these offers due to the distance. For example, if I were to work in Nazareth, how can I travel there on a daily basis when I am not allowed to drive a private car with a Palestinian ID? I cannot use public transportation either due to irregular and unorganized departure times. West Bank ID holder married to a Palestinian from Umm Al-Fahm Interview: Umm al-Fahm, 7 November 2019 3.2.4. De-Development: Deteriorating Social, Economic, and Political Environment Taken together, policies of fragmentation, segregation and isolation are intended to impose the de-development of Umm al-Fahm through the deliberate and systemic disruption of its economic, social and cultural dynamic. Not only did Israel force de-development on Palestinians, but it also makes them accountable for it through a dual phenomenon of self-blame and self-isolationism. The underlying purpose being the destruction of Umm al-Fahm’s Palestinian identity and its people’s political consciousness. 368 Jabbarin, supra 281. 90