Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Monday night, the eve of 24 Shevat, spoke with Kol Chai Radio. He explained that recent events, the ongoing terror, compel the current steps taken, namely restrictions on entering and leaving Ramallah.

It is added that the restrictions on Ramallah were removed during the night of 23 Shevat (Tuesday night to Wednesday). The restrictions were in place for a few short hours.

Regarding reports from Gaza border community residents of noises and digging, he explained these reports are taken seriously but to date, the military has not found any evidence of digging terror tunnels from Gaza as residents allege is the case.

Regarding Jewish terrorism, he stated this is a fringe element, but nonetheless a dangerous one.

Speaking about the recently-acquired building in Hebron, which the Hebron Jewish community reports was legally purchased, Ya’alon stated the validity of the sale is being probed. He added that at present there is no security crisis as a result of the Jews moving into the building. It is added they have since been evicted as per Ya’alon’s order but Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promises if the probe verifies the legality of the sale, they will be permitted to move back in.

Regarding the draft law, Ya’alon feels this is the correct method to increase the number of chareidim serving and not by compelling them against their will. The senior minister added that unfortunately, there are politicians who are using this law to advance their careers at the expense of the chareidim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)