Yisrael Katz, Israel’s Transportation and Intelligence Minister, toured the area of Binyamin on Tuesday following the terror attack that took place on Sunday evening near the town of Ofra in the region. During the tour, the Minister inaugurated the new interchange near the town of Adam and a traffic light at the Givat Assaf Junction near Beit El. Both projects by the Transportation Ministry were undertaken to allow for a faster flow of traffic on the major artery in the region, Highway 60, the same Highway on which the terror attack took place.

Speaking to Arutz Sheva news service, the Minister said: “Today we inaugurated two projects that improve the quality of life, security, and safety and movement for everyone living here. Our goal is to ensure the quality of life and enable the settlement of the land to develop and to multiply.”

Katz spoke touched upon the terror attack and said: “In light of all the attacks and in light of this despicable attack – of course, we wish health to all the wounded and the baby who’s struggling for his life – we’re allowing the town (Ofra) to develop and increase. This should be the task of the State of Israel. To double the size of the town of Ofra, and to regulate all the settlements after decades.”

With regards to the plans across the region Katz added that the ministry is promoting a strategic plan to provide different options to increase safety and continued development in the region. “The plan includes light rail routes at high-risk areas and traffic lights to make Judea and Samaria part of the Israeli norm of a developed and connected country.”

Beit El Council head Shai Alon praised Katz and his work on behalf of the residents in the area: “The State of Israel got a Minister (Katz) who knows how to work. He has been serving for so many years, and maintains functional continuity.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)