Amid a worrisome escalation in rock-throwing and firebomb attacks throughout Yehuda and Shomron during recent weeks, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Wednesday, the second day of chol hamoed Sukkos, traveled to the S. Hebron Hills communities for security briefings with senior military commanders.

The senior minister met with Yochai Damari, who heads the Southern Hebron Hills Regional Council along with other local leaders. He made a stop in Yishuv Otniel accompanied by Yehuda & Shomron Division Commander Brigadier-General Lior Karmeli. The heads of a number of communities joined the senior officials when they arrived in the community.

The minister told the media “There are red lines which will be maintained and anyone who harms our sovereignty or threatens the safety of citizens will met with a hard hand. That said, we are also working with neighboring [Arab] populations furnishing them with medical treatment and an increase in supplies to Gaza”. The statement coincide with PM Netanyahu’s visit to NYC where he will address the UN General Assembly.

Ya’alon added that “over 200,000 Palestinians are employed in various jobs and making a living by us” referring to Israeli companies. He added “Settlement in Yehuda and Shomron continues growing but at times there are delays” a hint to construction freezes. The minister added “There is no construction freeze and there will not be”, explaining that due to the complicated situation and attacks against the so-called settlement movement, “Israel must act wisely” he concluded.

Damari and other local officials showered Ya’alon with praise, calling him a committed friend to the yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)