Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu accompanied by Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon visited the community of Otniel this week following the brutal terrorist stabbing attack that claimed the life of Mrs. Dafna Meir HY”D in front of her home.

Following the visit Netanyahu announced plans to construct a security fence around the community. While some areas are enclosed, the entire yishuv is not protected by a fence, which residents object too.

According to a Channel 2 News report, community residents and Yochai Damari, who heads the Southern Hebron Regional Council, remain opposed to constructing such a fence. Damari was present for the meeting with the high-level ministers in the yishuv, expressing his opposition to the fence. Many yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron oppose a fence in principle, explaining it sends a clear message to the Arabs that “our border ends here”. In essence, they feel the fences should be built around Arab villages, not eh Jewish communities.

In the official statement released by Yishuv Otniel, leaders express surprise over the Prime Minister’s announcement, explaining they would be partner in decisions. However, now they see Mr. Netanyahu wishes to construct a fence despite their objections.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)