Rosh HaAyin Mayor Warns of "Next October 7th" Threat Near City
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Rosh HaAyin Mayor Raz Sagie is warning of a significant security threat from nearby Palestinian villages, fearing a repeat of the October 7th attacks. The city is preparing for infiltration attempts, planning to establish combat positions and bolster emergency response teams. Concerns are amplified by reports of illegal structures and potential tunnel shafts near the border fence. Despite these fears, the city is experiencing growth, with new kindergartens opening and a rise in young families moving in, though property prices are becoming a challenge.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rosh HaAyin Mayor Raz Sagie warns of a "next October 7th" threat from nearby Palestinian villages.
- The city is preparing for potential infiltration attempts by establishing combat positions.
- Illegal structures and potential tunnel shafts have been reported near the security fence.
- New settlement farms are being established in the area to increase Jewish presence.
- Rosh HaAyin is experiencing growth with new kindergartens and an influx of young families.
The proximity of Palestinian villages to the eastern neighborhood of Rosh HaAyin, separated only by the security fence, has raised significant security concerns in the city. Mayor Raz Sagie has voiced apprehension about the escalating threat in the area, stating that the city is preparing for potential infiltration attempts. "The fear is of the next October 7th from this direction," Sagie declared.
Sagie explained that approximately 3.5 kilometers of the border fence separate Rosh HaAyin from the villages of Deir Ballut, Rafat, and Zawiya. He noted that 16 illegal structures have been built near the fence, with eight already demolished and eight more slated for demolition. In response, the municipality plans to establish combat positions in the area, equip them with sniper rifles, and complete the formation of its third and fourth emergency response teams. "Any attempt to breach this fence will be met with fire from us," the mayor vowed.
Retired Colonel Amit Yagur, formerly the deputy head of the Palestinian arena, highlighted the close proximity between these villages and Rosh HaAyin, which he estimates has a population of 80,000 to 82,000 residents. Roy Drucker, manager of field coordinators for the Regavim organization in Judea and Samaria, reported the discovery of tunnel shafts and weapons in the vicinity. He cited a December 2023 Regavim report indicating approximately 17,000 illegal structures within one kilometer of the security fence.
The security concerns have impacted residents' daily lives. Moriyah and Azriel Tzafar, residents of the eastern neighborhood, shared that their sense of security has diminished since October 7th. Azriel, who carries a weapon, stated he avoids running in his neighborhood and opts for older parts of the city for training, emphasizing the need for a military or Border Police presence to address the situation in the nearby villages.
Despite the security tensions, new settlement farms are being established in the area, with a third farm founded between Deir Ballut and Rosh HaAyin to bolster Jewish presence. Sagie welcomed this development, noting that the area around the "Shir LaDavid" farm has not experienced fires. Meanwhile, Rosh HaAyin continues to grow, with Sagie reporting the opening of 19 new kindergartens this year and an influx of young families. He also mentioned a significant rise in property prices, making it difficult for younger generations, including his own children, to afford housing in the city.