Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich last Thursday instructed officials to accelerate the establishment of the planned community of Shalem in Samaria following the stabbing and suspected arson attack that took place several hours earlier near the Derech Avraham Farm.
At the same time, Smotrich directed the Civil Administration to map what he described as illegal Palestinian structures in the area and advance enforcement and demolition proceedings against them, saying the measures were intended to strengthen “governance and security in the area.”
The community of Shalem, which was approved by the security cabinet, is planned for the area between Elon Moreh, Beit Furik and Beit Dajan, near the farm where the attack occurred.
AFSI Insight
AFSI supports Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s decision to accelerate the establishment of the new community of Shalem following the terrorist attack near Derech Avraham Farm. Jewish life in Judea and Samaria must never be driven back by terrorism. Instead, every attack should reinforce Israel’s determination to deepen its presence, strengthen security, and expand lawful Jewish communities in the heartland of the Jewish homeland. The government’s commitment to move from declarations to practical implementation sends a clear message that terror will not dictate Israel’s future.
Stronger enforcement against illegal Palestinian construction in the area and consistent governance is essential to preserving Israel’s security and national rights. AFSI has long maintained that unauthorized building is often part of a broader strategy to establish irreversible facts on the ground and undermine Israel’s strategic position in Judea and Samaria.
We always advocate that the proper Zionist response to terrorism is not retreat, but resilience: rebuilding, expanding Jewish communities, and affirming Israel’s permanent and sovereign connection to Judea and Samaria.