PM announces measures in response to Hamas terror activity in the West Bank; Bill to expel families of terrorists to go to vote in coming weeks; Netanyahu: By our actions and the strength of our spirit, we will make it clear to them [Palestinians] and to the entire world that we are here to stay.
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced he would legalize thousands of settlement homes in Judea and Samaria following the wave of terror attacks from West Bank Palestinians.
Netanyahu made the announcement during his weekly cabinet meeting reporting “vigorous security and settlement actions” following the “wave of murderous terrorist attacks in Judea and Samaria last week”. Several attacks organized by Hamas were carried out and some thwarted in the West Bank in the past two weeks.
The prime minister announced the approval of settlement growth, as well as the acceleration in demolition of terrorists’ homes in response to terror. He announced, “We have revoked work permits for terrorists’ clans… as Defense Minister I have ordered that the permits not be automatically restored after the revocation period. I sent a clear message to Hamas: We will not accept a situation in which there is a ceasefire in Gaza and terrorism in Judea and Samaria. We will exact a heavy price for this.”
On settlement growth in the West Bank, he reported ”I have directed that the status of thousands of homes in settlements in Judea and Samaria be legalized, that two new industrial zones be established… and that 82 new residential units be approved in Ofra. There will be other steps.”
He assured the public and warned Hamas, “The Palestinian terrorists think that they can uproot us from the heart of our land. By our actions and the strength of our spirit, we will make it clear to them and to the entire world that we are here to stay.”
Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Legislation approved a bill on Sunday that would permit the expulsion of terrorists’ families following an attack. The bill will go to a government vote in the coming weeks.
The wave of violence in the West Bank broke out last Sunday when Palestinian terrorists carried out a drive by shooting at a bus stop in the settlement of Ofra in Samaria. Seven were injured, including a 7-month pregnant woman whose baby was delivered prematurely due to her wounds and died.
Two IDF soldiers were also killed in a shooting attack on the Givat Assaf in the West Bank on Thursday.
The IDF carried out extended operations and raids in search of the terrorists in the West Bank. During its raids, the IDF confirmed it ended its two-month manhunt for a Palestinian terrorist who killed two of his coworkers, Kim Levengrond Yehezkel and Ziv Hajbi, at an Israeli factory. They also confirmed they found and neutralized the terrorist who shot and killed two IDF soldiers.
The IDF and Israeli police have deployed forces in the West Bank and continue to search for terrorists and Hamas cells.
Photo: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock.com
