Civil Administration Removes Dozens of Structures Near West Bank Settlements

The Civil Administration's supervision unit, operating under Minister Bezalel Smotrich, conducted a special enforcement operation removing dozens of illegal structures and encroachments near the new settlements of Makda in Mount Hebron and Shira in Samaria. The operation aimed to strengthen Israeli control and bolster settlement presence in the area.

During the operation, approximately 20 dunams (about 5 acres) of illegal structures and plantings on state land near Makda were cleared. Additionally, illegal structures were removed near Shira, a settlement slated to become a city by government decision. This action is part of broader efforts to reassert Israeli governance and solidify settlement expansion.

Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, commented on the operation, stating, "In recent years, we have led a determined policy of fortifying and strengthening the settlement enterprise, alongside removing threats and destroying illegal construction on an unprecedented scale. The government of [Yisrael] Eisenkot-[Avigdor] Lieberman-[Benny] Gantz wants to stop this, and we must not let it happen." He further emphasized that images of the demolitions near Shira, showing homes resembling those of Rosh Ha'ayin, illustrate that these settlements serve as Israel's security buffer zone.

Smotrich thanked the personnel of the supervision unit and the settlement administration for leading the initiative. The operation is presented as a significant step for resident security and reinforcing Israeli control in the region.