Rabbi Waldman Warns of Return to Pre-War Security Policies in West Bank
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Noam Waldman, Rosh Yeshiva of Nir, criticized Israel's security establishment for returning to pre-war policies in Judea and Samaria, which he believes endanger settlers. He cited concerns over Palestinian laborers in settlements, agricultural activities near communities, and increased attacks on Israelis. Waldman urged a return to the assertive security stance adopted at the beginning of the war, warning that the enemy's hostile intentions remain unchanged.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Noam Waldman warns of a dangerous return to pre-war security policies in Judea and Samaria.
- He criticizes allowing Palestinian laborers and agricultural activities near Israeli settlements.
- Waldman notes an increase in attacks on Israelis, attributing it to perceived security leniency.
- He disputes a statement attributed to the Shin Bet chief regarding property destruction.
- The Rabbi calls for a return to the assertive security approach from the war's early stages.
Rabbi Noam Waldman, Rosh Yeshiva of Nir, has sharply criticized Israel's security establishment's conduct in Judea and Samaria, warning of a dangerous return to pre-war policies. In an interview with Arutz 7, he expressed concern over the re-entry of Palestinian laborers into settlements, olive harvesting near communities, and attacks on shepherds, citing remarks attributed to the Shin Bet chief in a cabinet meeting.
Waldman argued that the "conception" that prevailed before the October 7th attack, which he described as flawed, is returning. He stated that the presence of Palestinian workers within settlements near civilians is inherently dangerous, and that the military had previously understood the need for a larger buffer zone, restricting Palestinian agricultural activities like olive and grape harvesting near settlements. He believes the current policy, which allows such activities, emboldens attackers and signals weakness.
He further criticized the security establishment, including the Shin Bet, for what he sees as a retreat from the lessons learned after October 7th. Waldman pointed to an increase in stone-throwing, attacks on Jewish shepherds and residents, and drivers on West Bank roads, attributing this to the perceived leniency of the security system. He specifically condemned allowing Palestinians to harvest olives and grapes near settlements, calling it a distorted view of human and property rights that exploits perceived weakness.
Waldman also addressed a statement attributed to the Shin Bet chief during a cabinet meeting with Minister Orit Strock, where the chief reportedly said, "Jews burn Arabs' houses, we haven't seen Arabs burn Jews' houses." Waldman countered that Judea and Samaria have been volatile for years, with Arabs seeking to expel Jews. He questioned how senior military command could sleep soundly while allowing Arabs close to Israeli homes, thereby providing moral justification and protection for the enemy.
Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Waldman urged security leaders to revert to the assertive policies implemented at the war's outset, emphasizing that the enemy's desire for destruction has not waned. He invoked Rashi's commentary on the Torah to assert that the land belongs to Israel and is being usurped by enemies.