On Wednesday evening, the heads of the Judea and Samaria municipalities discussed burning issues together with members of the political-security cabinet, such as preparing for a scenario in which masses of terrorists storm communities. During the discussion, the mayors demanded that the Prime Minister, other cabinet members, and the heads of the defense establishment radically change the course of action in the area in order to protect the communities.
Israel Hayom learned that the meeting was attended by, among others, members of the War Cabinet – Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Galant, Ministers Gantz and Eisenkot, the head of Central Command, the head of the Shin Bet and other senior officials. The meeting was conducted as a work meeting for all intents and purposes, in which the burning issues were raised.
Central Command engineering forces destroy infrastructure in Judea and Samaria for fear of IEDs
At one point, the tone rose when mayors protested that the actions of individuals were defined as "settler violence." The prime minister replied that he would act against extremists, and that he had spoken with US President Joe Biden and made it clear to him that they were extremists and not settlers in general. In addition, the issue of the distribution of long arms to the settlers by the heads of the local authorities was raised.
One of the most significant issues raised at the meeting was the nature of the defense of the communities in Judea and Samaria. "It is inconceivable that there are fewer means on the ground than there were in Operation Defensive Shield, when the situation is dozens of times worse than during that period," argued the heads of the local authorities, who demanded a significant increase in defense, such as tanks entering the communities in order to maintain their security.
In the communities near the Gaza Strip, it has been proven that tanks were the difference between life and death, and this is also a significant reinforcement of deterrence. In addition, a demand was made to stop the olive harvest, with an emphasis on the areas around the settlements, and to create buffer zones to prevent Palestinians from reaching the area. At the same time, a request was also made to demolish Palestinian homes adjacent to the communities and threatening them.
Tank near Gaza, photo: Yossi Zeliger
IDF forces activity in Judea and Samaria, photo: IDF Spokesperson
Alongside the defense, the settlers made it clear that a change was also needed regarding the attack in Judea and Samaria. Israel is acting aggressively against Hamas, including in Judea and Samaria, but the settlers believe that a significant change is needed in the understanding of the territory and in the fact that there are other enemies in the region that threaten Israel, including Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and others. The fact that there are still armed riots in Judea and Samaria that take place undisturbed, they claimed, proves that no change has yet been made in the way of thinking, which could pose a security risk.
Mayors told Israel Hayom at the end of the meeting that the feeling was that the prime minister and cabinet understood that the situation had to be changed and took the issue to their attention. At the same time, they made it clear that they would continue to press so that the threats facing the settlers would be dealt with accordingly.
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us