Security forces in the Kfar Saba area and near the border fence to Highway 6 were cover a large area. The Ephraim Brigade command is responsible for this area, known as the Sharon Region, which is in proximity to (Palestinian Authority) controlled Kalkilye.

Brigade commander Colonel Guy Burger was in Tzofim, where he was looking down on the PA area. He explains there are about 200,000 residents in the area under his responsibility plus 120,000 students in Ariel University, a main thoroughfare in the Shomron which connects to the Jordan Valley and over 100,000 vehicles passing thorough daily.

Burger explains the situation has worsened in recent months, including roadside bombs and others forms of terror.

One of the constant battles faced by Berger and his forces is the ongoing effort to smuggle PA illegals over the Green Line into “Israel proper”. Berger adds of late there have been attacks, including a stabbing attack in which one of his soldiers was injured and thereby prevented a terrorist from reaching civilians.

He spoke of the case of Ayalah Shapira, who was seriously injured in a firebomb attack. Ayalah was badly burned as her father and she were heading home. Two terrorists waited for the vehicle and hurled the firebombs at the vehicle, which went up in flames.

Burger, the father of four grew up in Kadima and he is visibly pained when discussing the injuries sustained by Ayalah. He explains the terrorist who threw the firebomb was 16-years-old. “To my sorrow, we are dealing with terrorists who come here to murder”.

Burger will step down in the summer for educational leave.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)