IDF Central Commander Praises Young Settler's 'Pioneer Spirit'

Major General Avi Blott, commander of the IDF's Central Command, visited the new settlement of Metzukei Eretz in the Benjamin region on Sunday, meeting with local leadership and residents. He was hosted by Israel Gantz, head of the Benjamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, at his sukkah in the settlement of Psagot.

During the visit, Blott and Gantz discussed resident security and IDF operations in Judea and Samaria with heads of Benjamin communities. Blott provided a security briefing and answered questions. The pair then toured Metzukei Eretz, a new settlement established on the Alon Road between Rimmonim and Kochav Hashahar, which welcomed its first 12 families last week.

Gantz thanked Blott and the soldiers on behalf of the region's residents, acknowledging the ongoing "war on seven fronts" and calling the current situation a "great miracle." He emphasized the partnership between the settlement leadership and the IDF, stating, "We have a mission to advance settlement, and the Major General has a mission to defend and thwart terror. We work together, always in cooperation."

Blott highlighted the continuous efforts of IDF brigades and divisions to prevent terror attacks and organizations, underscoring the contribution of the IDF-settlement partnership to security. At Metzukei Eretz, Blott and Gantz met with the founding families. Blott expressed admiration for their pioneering spirit and their role in shaping a new reality.

One resident recounted how families arrived with their belongings just before Shabbat and the holiday, receiving help from neighbors, and noted the significance of the event. Blott spoke with one of the settlement's children, Roey, who expressed a desire to work and contribute. Blott commended the boy, saying, "Well done, Roey. You spoke like a true pioneer. A child who talks about what he can give, that is pioneering."

Blott also mentioned the recent murder of Natanel Shokron near Neve Tzuf and wished a full recovery to Neria Leiter, who was seriously injured in a vehicular attack on Route 443.