Bayit HaYehudi leader Naftali Bennett, who has served as a chief of staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, understands the authority wielded by government clerks, so much so, that he is waging a war against them. He refers to government officials appointed to civil service posts, who often run their own policies as opposed to serving as agents of the administration.

In this case, Bennett is referring to Beit Ezra in Hebron, yet another building purchased by Jews which may now have to be evacuated following protests by Arabs, claiming rights to the property. This has been the pattern in Hebron, and more recently in Migron and Beit El’s Ulpana neighborhood. Governments over the years have taught the Arabs that if they make enough noise, they will get their way – it has nothing to do with who actually owns the home.

Bennett made his remarks at the second night of Chanukah candle lighting in the home of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu ZT”L, accompanied by the late gadol’s son, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who serves as the chief Sephardi rabbi of Tzfas.

In his comments regarding Beit Ezra, which Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has already signaled should be cleared of the Jewish tenants, he explained the papers are in order and the property is clearly Jewish owned, purchased during the British Mandate period by the Ezra family and the Magen Avot Sephardi Kollel. Bennett details the Jewish presence was interrupted due to the 1929 Arab massacre in the city, and then again after the city was occupied until liberated in the June 1967 Six Day War.

Bennett pointed out that to date; the courts supported the Jewish claim, as have justice ministers and other cabinet officials, including the recent report published by the committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy. The comprehensive report addressed outposts and other property throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

Nevertheless, the deputy attorney general feels differently and that is the opinion being adopted by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, prompting Bennett to add “Davka during Chanukah, when we see the miracle of the spirit of Israel…” adding “What is taking place in Beit Ezra is symbolic of the rule of the clerks, which must come to an end. Despite the fact the prime minister and the IDF understand the significance of Beit Ezra, and that it was and has been Jewish, nevertheless, the clerks simply have us all wrapped around their finger and then we speak of the need for governance. The time has come to reinstate the government clerks to their natural [subordinate] place.”

Weinstein was also adamant in his call to oust the residents of Migron and Beit El’s Ulpana neighborhood, extremely vocal in his opposition to efforts by the government to reach compromise in those cases.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)