Jewish Home Chairman and Education Minister Naftali Bennett called for Israel to increase construction in the Samarian community of Har Bracha after resident Rabbi Itamar Ben-Gal was killed on Monday by a terrorist near Ariel. While visiting Ben Gal's family on Wednesday Bennett said that "The real answer is to triple the village and make Har Bracha a city. There is a city planning plan ready for approval, it is only a political decision, and I am taking action to triple the size of the settlement, and that is how we will convey the message that we are here."
"In the twentieth century of settlement, many cities have unfortunately risen in response to the murder, Kiryat Shmona, Ma'ale Hachamisha," added Bennett. "They will realize that they are banging their heads against a concrete wall".