Settler Youths Assert Strength to Deter Palestinian Presence
A rare look inside the Israeli settlement of Efrat reveals tensions along its border with the Palestinian village of Jannatah, particularly near the "Etam Farm" and a new outpost called "Kokhv Yehuda." The farm, located within Efrat's municipal boundary, is a popular site for celebrations, and a new road connects it to the outpost. A yellow gate separates the road from Jannatah, with a sign explicitly prohibiting Palestinian entry without coordination. This outpost was established on land claimed by the family of Hassan, whose brother, Muhammad Ahmed Farg, was killed there six months prior during a confrontation with Israeli settlers. The family possesses documents indicating their ownership of the land for 150 years.
The Israeli military stated that the incident involved a confrontation where an Israeli civilian fired at a gathering, resulting in the Palestinian's death. They also confirmed the illegal outpost was re-established on private Palestinian land. Hassan is engaged in a legal battle, questioning the path to justice. The article notes the presence of Israeli lawmakers, like MK Son Har Melech of Otzma Yehudit, who have visited and praised the settlers' efforts.
The piece also delves into the ideology of some settlers, exemplified by Yossi Levit, who grew up in Hebron and Kiryat Arba. Influenced by figures like Adi Driban, a former US Marine and settler known for his assertive stance, Yossi believes in a philosophy of "conquest, expulsion, settlement." He asserts that "Arabs smell weakness from afar and easily pounce on it." Yossi advocates for a strong, unwavering presence in the territory, believing that showing strength deters Palestinian expansion. He envisions a future where Palestinians are expelled from the land, drawing parallels to the displacement from Gaza, and believes this is achievable when the time is right.
The article contrasts this with the beauty of the natural landscape, including the Einot Arubot stream and a synagogue built with local stone. It also touches upon the history of figures like Adi Driban, who lived among the Arab population in the 1980s, and his son Dov, who was killed in 1998. Driban's philosophy, as quoted, was that "for peace you need to kill" and that Arabs should fear Israelis for peace to exist.
