Security danger: Defense Minister Yoav Galant arrived today (Tuesday) together with Gush Etzion Council head and Yesha Council Chairman Shlomo Ne'eman on a work visit to the Gush Etzion Agreement Reserve. During the tour, Mayor Shlomo Neaman reviewed the progress of the Palestinian Authority's construction in the area, explained to the minister the damage to the Judean Desert and the security danger posed by the establishment of such a city that creates an enclave for the communities in the eastern part of the bloc.
Yoav Galant with Gush Etzion Mayor Shlomo Neaman on a work visit to the Gush Etzion Agreement Reserve // Credit: Noam Kedar, Gush Etzion Council
The head of the council asked Minister Galant to immediately advance the halt of construction and the preservation of the Oslo Accords, which do not allow construction in the treaty reserve. During the tour, a meeting was held with the minister in the office of the head of the council, located within the reserve.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant: "Construction activities are being carried out, the goal of which is to encircle Gush Etzion and the Jewish settlement on Mount Hebron from the east. The action is contrary to all agreements made in the past." Finally, Galant congratulated Mayor Shlomo Neaman and the council members and their vigilance on the issue.
Tour of the new Palestinian city, today, photo: Arik Marmor, Gush Etzion Council
Gush Etzion Council Chairman and Yesha Council Chairman Shlomo Ne'eman: "The Palestinian Authority flouts all the agreements, we call on the Israeli government to intervene and block the establishment of the new city that endangers Gush Etzion and the State of Israel" Neaman added: "We thank Defense Minister Yoav Galant who came to watch with his own eyes the disaster taking place in the Judean Desert and we warn about it."
Yoav Galant and Shlomo Neeman, Photo: Arik Marmor, Gush Etzion Council
"Minister Galant and Defense Ministry officials arrived at the scene and we expect a solution that will prevent the establishment of a new Arab city in a nature reserve and create a separation of Gush Etzion from the Dead Sea, as the Palestinian Authority is plotting in blatant violation of the agreements with Israel."
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