In response to a question by MK Uri Ariel (National Union), Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai said Tuesday that the Defense Ministry would in the future allow residents of Judea and Samaria to participate in the government's solar energy program, in which special solar panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity are affixed to the roofs of public buildings, businesses and homes. The electricity thus generated is sold to the Israel Electric Company, and the seller gets a credit on their electricity use.

Vilnai said that the Defense Ministry sees installation of the panels in all parts of the country, including Judea and Samaria, as important. He added that the Civil Administration was currently authoring a measure that would allow for installation of the systems in the region.