Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Almog Cohen and MK Tzvi Sukkot held an extended tour last Friday of the illegal Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj to investigate drone smuggling from the Egyptian border.
The roughly two-hour visit drew violent resistance from local residents. The two refused to leave and completed the tour. Although the visit had been coordinated in advance and official requests were submitted, police did not arrive on site in time, which contributed to clashes with rioters.
MK Zvi Sukkot, chairman of the Subcommittee on Judea and Samaria Affairs of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, said: “Today we saw up close how criminal elements are trying to undermine security in the south.”
Deputy Minister Almog Cohen added: “The tour showed how essential it is to act consistently and forcefully against anyone who threatens Israel’s security. We will continue to reach everywhere to restore governance and security to citizens of Israel.
It is critical that the South receive due attention. In the broader context, this represents a different type of war in Israel’s continuous struggle to protect and ensure its security.