Civil Administration Demolishes Structures Near New Settlements

The Civil Administration's supervision unit, operating under Minister Bezalel Smotrich, conducted a significant enforcement operation in the Samaria and Hebron regions on Wednesday. The operation aimed to remove perceived threats to recently established new settlements in the area. During the operation, 20 dunams of illegal squatting and plantings on state land near the settlement of "Makda" in the Hebron region were cleared. Concurrently, structures erected near the settlement of "Shira" in Samaria were removed. "Shira" is slated to become a city following a cabinet decision spearheaded by Minister Smotrich.

This action is part of a broader initiative to restore Israeli governance and control in the territory. This includes declaring new settlements, advancing their statutory processes, establishing settlement groups on the ground, and enforcing against illegal construction to facilitate their consolidation and development. Smotrich stated, "In the last four years, we have led a determined policy of fortifying and strengthening settlements, alongside removing threats to the area and unprecedented demolition of illegal construction. The government of [former Defense Minister Benny] Gantz- [former MK Avigdor] Lieberman-[former MK Gabi] Ashkenazi wants to stop this, and we must not let it happen."

Smotrich further commented on the demolition near "Shira," noting that images clearly showed the nearby homes of the settlement of Rosh Ha'ayin, illustrating the settlements' role as Israel's security buffer. He thanked the Civil Administration's supervision unit and the settlement administration for leading these efforts. The operation follows a series of enforcement actions by the Civil Administration's unit in recent months, including the demolition of strategic Palestinian structures in northern Samaria in late July, which included a four-story industrial/residential building of approximately 800 square meters and a 450 square meter commercial/industrial structure.

The settlements of "Makda" and "Shira" are part of a wave of new settlements declared in recent years under Smotrich's policy to strengthen settlements. "Shira" is expected to become a city, reinforcing the Israeli presence in Judea and Samaria. The Civil Administration's unit also continues to combat illegal construction elsewhere, such as the demolition of illegal structures in August near the tomb of Honi HaMe'agel in Hazor HaGalilit to regulate the site and improve safety.