One of the reasons it took days to restore power to yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron is the need for Israel Electric Companies to coordinate with the IDF. Fearing repair crews will be targeted in Arab terror attacks, the IDF must be taxed to protect utility workers trying to restore power during the largest storm to hit Israel in over a century. One cannot question this procedure for the fear of attacks is real. In recent months there has been an alarming increase in shooting, bomb, rock-throwing and firebomb attacks throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

However, the government feels that this is no reason not to assist one’s enemy and the IDF Spokesman’s Office boasts the following statistics, the assistance provided to the PA (Palestinian Authority) during the storm.

351 tons of cooking gas was provided along with four tanker trucks of water, 986 cubic liters of diesel fuel and gasoline, 148 truckloads of consumer goods and two trucks of emergency medical supplies. This was taking place as soldiers were compelled to stand out in frigid conditions protecting Israel Electric Company employees against attacks from those receiving the aid.

The situation actually begs the question just where has hundreds of millions of dollars of donor nation funds gone? The PA (Palestinian Authority) is not without resources, but those funds are pocketed by corrupt leaders and then Israel and other nations feel compelled to come to the PA’s assistance as if it is left alone in the world without the means of caring for itself.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)