Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Defense Minister blocks founding of new Jewish towns

Defense Minister Benny Gantz (Blue and White) on Monday received an update regarding the plan to found new Jewish towns in a number of areas in Judea and Samaria.

The new plan is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, led by the Nachala movement.

However, Gantz instructed that a clear message be sent to the Israeli citizens planning to take part in the plan, warning that the activities are not legal. He also said that defense sources have been instructed to prepare to prevent the activities and to "deal with them."

Gantz also emphasized that in accordance with the information he was presented with, many of those planning to take part in the activities, who are among the vast majority of Judea and Samaria residents who are law-abiding civilians, are not aware of the fact that this activity is illegal and not coordinated with defense organizations. Therefore, this message should be sent out using all possible means.

Gantz noted that alongside the continued construction and strengthening legal settlements, there will be uncompromising enforcement and violations of the law will not be allowed. He also emphasized that activities which are not coordinated with security forces and are liable to overburden the regular operational activities, harming public order.