Efrat Mayor Oded Ravivi came under harsh criticism after Friday’s firebomb attack in the area in which there were injuries. He announced the terror attack was “not a terrorist incident”, leading to many an angry comment in his direction. A couple sustained injuries and were fortunate B’chasdei Hashem to get out alive as their vehicle went up in flames.

After being questioned regarding his comments, Ravivi explained that shortly after the terror attack, IDF Central District Commander Major-General Nitzan Alon instructed him to say the attack was not terrorist in nature, and he simply repeated what the senior officer told him. Ravivi also announced that Nitzan informed him the attacker was in custody.

It was later learned that both statements were not true, but it would appear that senior commander has a unique way to combat terrorism, by denying it occurs. To the best of everyone’s knowledge, the terrorist responsible for the attack was not apprehended.

The incident will not endear Nitzan among leaders and residents of yishuvim for his outspoken anti-settlement views are known to all. Nitzan has given the impression in his present command post that he has done everything possible to embitter the lives of residents of communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron whenever possible.

There were audible protests among yishuv leaders when his appointment was announced and there have been many protests against him since that time, but he remains the senior military commander in charge of all of Yehuda and Shomron nonetheless.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)