Six New Outposts Established in Samaria Following Terror Attack
A week after the terror attack that claimed the life of Binyahu Malet, six new outposts were established near Havat Gilad. Residents state this is a response to the tragedy and a means to secure the territory.
Already at the funeral of Binyahu Malet, a member of the Havat Gilad farm's standby squad, who was murdered a week ago in a terror attack near the village of Tel, his widow, Esther, was informed that her husband's will had been fulfilled and several additional settlement points had been established. A few hours after the attack, heavy machinery arrived, and within two days, six new outposts were established. "And this is not the last word," residents in the area promised.
The plan to establish the new outposts began after a fire consumed about 30 homes and businesses at Havat Gilad. The farm's residents—who have no doubt it was arson—viewed this as a fitting response, and the terror attack last Friday, in which artillery officer Major Yuval Ezra also fell, accelerated the move.
"About 20 years ago, my brother, Gilad, was murdered in a terror attack, and in response, we established Havat Gilad," explained Itai Zar. "When Raziel Shevach was murdered, we established Havat Yatedot. Now we will establish more points. We take every tragedy and derive benefit from it." David Cohen, a resident of Havat Gilad, established one of the new outposts opposite the farm, at the site of the archaeological location Khirbet Kafrur in Area C. The outpost has been named "Boneh Kafrur."
Five of the six new points are in Area C, except for the one established at the site of the attack, which is in Area B. "There is strategic importance here, because the understanding is that whoever controls the open spaces is the one who rules," explained Cohen.
Zar is not concerned about the lack of official approval. "There is a construction boom throughout Judea and Samaria," he said. "We are not just running wild; everything is done with coordination. The DNA after two thousand years of exile is settlement." Zar refused to condemn acts of nationalist crime following the attack, stating he does not label the perpetrators as terrorists.
Cohen emphasized that he is against violence but explained: "After the attack, the village of Tel should have been erased, just like Rafah. But when the army does not do its job, there is a vacuum." Residents are not afraid that this will anger the international community: "What we did in Gaza 20 years ago exploded in our faces on October 7. We must hold the territory here to prevent the next October 7."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated: "The evacuation of outposts is carried out in accordance with the situation assessment and the instructions of the political echelon." Meanwhile, two hikes are planned today in the area of Havat Gilad and the village of Tel.
"The hike in question was not approved on the accepted routes with the IDF," said a military source. "The IDF has contacted the organizers to ensure optimal preparation. We emphasize that the hike passes through Areas A and B, and entry into Area A is dangerous and prohibited by law."
