Finance Minister Smotrich Tests Security Gear at Eastern Border Farms Ceremony

A ceremony was held at the Zerzir Farm in the Jordan Valley on Monday to distribute dozens of security components, including Ranger vehicles, drones, medical kits, and other security equipment to farms operating along Israel's eastern border. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich participated in the event and took a ride on one of the Ranger vehicles alongside farm representatives.

During the ceremony, Smotrich emphasized the government's commitment to preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state and opposed any government reliant on Arab parties supporting terrorism. He highlighted ongoing drone incursions aimed at smuggling weapons to Palestinians in the West Bank and Arab Israelis to create a new October 7-style attack.

Settlement Minister Orit Strook described the Eastern Axis plan as a historic strategic initiative to expand and develop the region, increasing both the population and settlement points tenfold. She praised the border farms as the vanguard of this national project, forming a protective barrier on Israel's eastern frontier.

David Elhayani, head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council, called the event a sovereign and security statement, affirming that the Israeli government understands and supports the daily realities on the ground. He referred to the Jordan Valley as Israel's eastern shield.

Yishai Marling, chairman of the Settlement Division, summarized that these border farms serve as Israel's civilian security shield, safeguarding state lands in open areas. He stressed that providing security equipment to settlers on the front line is essential to protecting their lives.