MK Limor Son Har-Melech Criticizes 'News of the Hills' for Ignoring Settlement Efforts

Following criticism directed at National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the arrest of volunteers at Gilad Farm, MK Limor Son Har-Melech of the Otzma Yehudit party sharply rebuked the social media group "News of the Hills." The group had criticized Ben-Gvir after volunteers who assisted in extinguishing a fire at Gilad Farm were detained by police while refueling. Son Har-Melech accused the group of consistently ignoring positive actions supporting the settlements and focusing solely on criticism of the minister and her party.

"News of the Hills" claimed that while the volunteers were arrested and detained, the arsonists responsible for the fire remained free, directly blaming Ben-Gvir for the situation. In response, Son Har-Melech highlighted her four years of continuous work in the Knesset advocating for the settlements and youth in the hilltop communities. She noted her frequent visits to the settlements, participation in numerous discussions, over 40 prison visits, and cooperation with police and security forces, all with Ben-Gvir's full backing.

She emphasized significant changes during Ben-Gvir's tenure, including appointing commanders familiar with the settlements. Regarding the Gilad Farm fire, she said a command center was established to coordinate police, rescue, and firefighting efforts, with district commander Moshe Pinchi returning from leave to advance the investigation and victim assistance. While acknowledging that some police actions require intervention, she condemned portraying isolated incidents as ministerial policy, calling it "audacity and denial of reality."

Son Har-Melech concluded by questioning the motives behind "News of the Hills'" persistent disregard for Otzma Yehudit's efforts, suggesting political or commercial interests in concealing their work.