Following Thursday’s stabbing and arson terror attack near the Derech Avraham outpost in Samaria, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening Israeli security and communities in the area.
Smotrich ordered the immediate advancement of the previously approved community named ‘Shalem’ located near the attack site, describing it as a strategic response to the ongoing terrorist threat in the region.
Smotrich also directed professional officials in the Civil Administration to act without compromise against illegal construction and lawlessness in the area:
• Rapid Mapping: Conduct an immediate, comprehensive survey of all illegal structures surrounding the attack site.
• Enforcement and Demolition: Demolish the identified illegal structures to restore security and deterrence in the area.
• Strengthen Governance: Increase the security presence and oversight throughout the area as part of a broader effort to reinforce law and order.
“The best response to terror is strengthening communities and increasing governance,” Smotrich said. “For every attempt to harm us, we will deepen our roots in the land of our forefathers and continue to build, grow stronger, and fight for the security of Israeli citizens.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also issued a statement Thursday following the terrorist attack, wishing a speedy recovery to Itamar Cohen, one of the founders of the agricultural farms in Judea and Samaria, who was critically wounded in the stabbing. “I stand with him and his family and pray for his full recovery,” Katz said.
The defense minister praised IDF soldiers and security forces who acted quickly, decisively, and professionally to eliminate the terrorists at the scene.
“Thanks to the offensive policy we are leading and the relentless activity of our security forces, ‘Palestinian’ terrorism has dropped by more than 80 percent,” Katz said. “But make no mistake—’Palestinian’ terrorism still exists, and we will continue acting against it at all times and in all places.”
Katz declared that just as Israeli forces dismantled terrorist infrastructure in the camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams, they will operate wherever terrorists attempt to harm Israeli citizens.
“The IDF will not hesitate to enter additional villages and camps, strike terrorists and those directing them, and dismantle any terror hub that threatens the security of our citizens,” he said.
Katz concluded by vowing that terrorism would not deter Israel and that the government would continue strengthening and establishing new communities while legalizing additional farms in Judea and Samaria.
“Terrorism will not deter us and will not achieve its goal. It is part of the State of Israel’s security doctrine to continue developing Judea and Samaria while uncompromisingly protecting the security of its residents and all Israeli citizens.”