Opposition leader and Likud party Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu promised the residents of Ariel that he would put their issues at the top of the government’s “to do” list if his party is elected to the leadership in the next election.

“Ariel is Israel’s strategic anchor, and will determine the width of the country,” MK Netanyahu told the residents of the Samaria community on Sunday. “It is of utmost importance, due to the threats to Israel on three fronts.”

The Likud party Chairman said he would make the growth of the community a major priority in any government he leads.