There can be no argument, Defense Minister Ehud Barak is more than committed to enforcing the 10-month construction freeze throughout Yehuda and Shomron, but the Labor Party leader seems to be addressing this challenge as a labor of love.

Just this week, Barak has called for an additional NIS 15 million, seeking to hire additional inspectors to enforce the ban on expanding communities in Yehuda and Shomron, all the while turning a blind eye to widespread ongoing illegal Arab construction in the same areas.

Barak appears unscathed from the harsh criticism heard from coalition partners, and there can be no doubt, he plans to place a stranglehold on the communities throughout Yosh.

The latest test case surrounds the matter of cellular telephone reception for both civilians and security forces alike. Residents of the chareidi community of Meitzad in the eastern Gush Etzion district have turned to MK (Shas) Chaim Amsellem, who in turn passed the matter on to the attention of the defense minister, the supreme authority in Yehuda and Shomron.

The residents explained that the last kilometers of their trip home, in essence from the area known as “T” Junction, they are without cellular reception, leaving them vulnerable in the event of an attack of simply breakdown. Their community is distant, far from most other Jewish communities in “The Gush”, and the road is more frequently traveled by Arab motorists and trucks, many making their way to area rock quarries.

Barak turned down the request, seemingly justifying his decision since he is not permitting a cellular antenna or signal booster for military use either, but the IDF soldiers are equipped with military two-way communications and automatic weapons, placing them as a slight advantage over the residents of Meitzad.

Amsellem however remained a faithful messenger and he brought the urgent matter to the attention of Minister of Communications (Likud) Moshe Kahlon, who they hope will seek to persuade Barak to agree to act on behalf of the residents and soldiers serving in the eastern Gush Etzion area.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)