Jewish settlement is a strategic necessity across the West Bank - opinion
From the Jordan Valley to the hills of Samaria, widespread settlement can deny terrorists sanctuary and strengthen Israel’s security.
Academic Prof. Arnon Sofer, a leading opponent of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria, passed away recently. Sofer warned that Jewish migration to coastal regions, particularly Gush Dan, at the expense of settlements in the North and South, effectively ceded Israel. He criticized the Religious Zionist movement for focusing settlement efforts beyond the West Bank's small enclaves, urging instead to concentrate on the Galilee and Negev to maintain a Jewish majority in both areas.
Efraim Inbar, a geostrategic expert, echoed Sofer's sentiment, advocating for selective settlement in the Jerusalem area and Jordan Valley, rather than widespread settlement. However, Inbar's viewpoint mirrors that of Zionist leaders in the 1930s who favored coastal settlements over widespread settlement in undeveloped regions. These early settlements played a crucial role in halting invading Arab armies, providing the fledgling Israeli Defense Force (IDF) time to prepare for offensive operations.
Strategically, almost every hill in Judea and Samaria holds significance due to its proximity to Israel's limited landmass. For example, Nablus, the easternmost city in the West Bank, is only 35 kilometers from Tel Aviv's coast. Moreover, from high vantage points in the West Bank, neighboring Israeli cities and towns are visible, demonstrating that strategic importance permeates the region.
Despite the strategic value of widespread settlement, one might wonder why the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) cannot handle the task alone. Two primary reasons justify the need for Jewish settlements. Firstly, territory provides sanctuaries for terrorists, enabling them to plan and conduct lethal activities unhindered. The October 7 terror attack, for instance, was made possible by the absence of Jewish settlements in Gaza.
Secondly, the IDF's presence in heavily populated civilian areas often leads to withdrawal into bases due to moral concerns. Settler protection, however, fosters a sense of responsibility among soldiers and officers, deterring potential attacks on Israeli territories.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
