
The bill to repeal the Disengagement Law in northern Samaria passed its first reading in the Knesset Wednesday.
- The legislation passed by a 62-36 majority. It must pass in two more readings to become law.
The bill was introduced by MK Yuli Edelstein and Minister Orit Strock at the urging of Samaria Regional Council chairman Yossi Dagan, who was one of the people deported from four Jewish communities in northern Samaria as part of the 2005 Disengagement.
If passed, the legislation would lead to the legalization of the Homesh yeshiva, which has been demolished numerous times since the Disengagement.
The bill would not apply to Gaza, where all Jews were expelled from in 2005.
MK Edelstein told Israel National News – Arutz Sheva following the vote:
- “The terrorism in Judea and Samaria concerns us, especially the terrorism in northern Samaria. This doesn’t surprise me. The most logical explanation is that where there is no settlement or civilian population, over time it will become very difficult to maintain effective control over that area.”‘
He added that
- “While we are dealing with important things, an even more important process is taking place right under our noses. The Palestinians, with the encouragement and support of the European Union, are eating away at Area C and establishing facts on the ground. Once they manage to establish a fact – it is very difficult to change it. Look at what has been happening for years with Khan al-Ahmar. The solution is settlement in the territories of Judea and Samaria. We need to go back there and lead the construction in all the regions of the homeland and provide the infrastructure for the residents who determine with their bodies and homes the borders of the State of Israel.”
Source: Arutz Sheva
Header: Raising a toast after bill passes its first reading