Settlement Council leaders on Thursday called on the government to give the IDF a free hand to operate throughout Yehuda and Shomron, stating this is the only way to ensure the safety of the residents of Israel.

Council Chairman Danny Dayan explained that the decision announced by the IDF to refrain from ordering soldiers into PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas is one that is contrary to Israel’s defense and security needs.

“Over 1,000 citizens paid with their lives for the policy of turning our heads from the reality that only permitting the IDF freedom of operation will result in security for citizens,” Dayan concluded.

The government announced on Thursday that the IDF will be leaving four PA autonomous areas, Ramallah, Bet Lechem, Kalkilye and Yericho. The announcement has prompted grave concerns among many, well beyond the scope of the Settlement Council, fearing the absence of Israeli forces will permit terrorists to operate freely, using the cities to establish terror operation bases.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)