As security agencies in recent weeks record a sharp increase in the number of firebomb and rock-throwing attacks against Jewish motorists in Yehuda and Shomron, a dispute between the Defense Ministry and Finance Ministry has resulted in a cessation of funding for protective glass. For many years one proving residency over the Green Line has been entitled to replace glass windows in one’s vehicle for Lexan® windows, a material that is resistant to being smashed in attacks. It is a thinner version of the material used in some banks to protect tellers.

The program to fund the protective windows began in 1987 during the so-called First Intifada. Buses, ambulances, service vehicles and the private vehicles of residents are some of those benefitting from the government funding. In the case of buses, most are also armor-plated to withstand shooting attacks, the reality of the Oslo peace process and the dual existence that has become the reality of the residents of these areas on a daily basis.

The sharp increase in attacks over recent weeks, hundreds of percent in some areas is most evident in the eastern Gush Etzion region as well as the Gav HaHar, the area of the yishuvim situated in Shomron past Chawarah, including Yitzhar, Har Bracha, and Itamar.

Lt.-Colonel (reserves) Shlomo Vaknin, the Settlement Council Security Officer was recently notified by the Ministry of Public Security that due to a sharp cut in funding from the national government, the program to protect resident’s vehicle is being halted.

For residents of yishuvim this is a great deal more than a political or cost-saving measure, but a realization that if they change vehicles they will not be protected against stones and firebombs. While some can afford to pay for this privately, a cost in the thousands of NIS, many or possibly most cannot undertake the additional cost involved in replacing a vehicles windows. The windshield alone, a combination of plastic and glass triplex is quite expensive, beyond the budget of most residents.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)