The Deputy Spokesman of the American Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vednet Patel, commented this evening (Thursday) on the expected vote in the UN Security Council against the settlements, and stated that this is an “unhelpful” action. In the meantime, the “Reuters” news agency reported last night that the Council will demand that Israel “stop immediately and completely the construction in the settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
Last Sunday, the political-security cabinet convened to discuss taking further steps following the stampede attack that happened last Friday in Jerusalem, in which three people were murdered. The cabinet decided that nine additional outposts would be prepared, as well as a connection to electricity and water for the young settlement. Another decision made is the addition of additional construction permits.
The Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir responded: “We will take a heavy hand and aggressively against the terrorists, both measures on the ground and political measures. The training of the localities will join the extensive police activity in East Jerusalem, and another series of measures to deter terrorism.”