Palestinians climb over West Bank security barrier
Municipal leaders from a council bordering the West Bank security barrier issued a renewed warning Wednesday about a serious security risk to residents, following the government's failure to deliver promised funds to bolster defenses in the area.
Despite a government decision to allocate 100 million shekels ($26 million) for security enhancements along the border wall, the funds have yet to be transferred. “I’m certain that only after a terror attack here will the money arrive,” said Ilan Sadeh, head of the Menashe Regional Council. “Why can’t the government fulfill its commitments before an attack?”
Since the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7, residents along the West Bank border have voiced concerns about being targeted in a similar attack. Some communities have come under fire from West Bank terrorists who have shot into homes and, in some instances, attempted to launch rockets.
Menachem Greenberg, the council’s head of security, warned that it would take only seconds for attackers to reach Israeli homes once the border is breached. He noted that Palestinians regularly cross the border wall into Israel, primarily seeking work, with minimal interference from security forces. “It’s up to anyone crossing the wall to decide whether to find work or launch an attack,” he said.
Greenberg called for increased military presence on both sides of the border. While he praised the efforts of IDF forces conducting counterterrorism operations in West Bank towns near the border, he emphasized that it wasn’t sufficient.
Last week, troops discovered a tunnel under construction in the West Bank city of Tulkarm, raising fears among Israeli residents that terrorists could attempt to infiltrate their communities.
Sadeh said that the October 7 massacre has altered the security landscape and, despite efforts to protect his residents, the measures taken so far are inadequate.
First published: 22:06, 09.18.24