Naftali Bennett at the protest tent
Naftali Bennett at the protest tentEliran Aharon

Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Jewish Home) visited the protest tent outside the prime minister's residence Sunday to show his support for the residents of Judea and Samaria who are demanding that the government increase security funding for their communities and for the paving of new bypass roads to improve road safety.

Families who have lost loved ones to terrorist attacks sat alongside the mayors and council leaders of Judea and Samaria in the protest tent, including Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, Beit Aryeh Council head Avi Naim, and Kiryat Arba Council head Malachi Levinger.

"This isn't a political issue. We're talking about human life," said Bennett. "Imagine that someone shoots at you while you are traveling and you cannot get in touch with the police," Bennett continued, referring to the poor cell phone reception in some parts of Judea and Samaria. "Imagine sitting at home on a Friday as a terrorist runs through your village and a terror attack happens because there aren't any cameras."

"We cannot wait a year or even a month. The most basic thing is to provide security," continued Bennett. "Next week, I'm going to visit with senior government officials and discuss with them on the matter. We have received promises but we're sick of promises," Bennett added.

Bennett joined a long line of politicians who have visited the protest tent. Earlier on Sunday, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and former Likud Interior Minister Gilad Sa'ar expressed their support for the struggle and called on the government to provide the needed funds.

Last week, Netanyahu promised to transfer NIS 800 million to develop Judea and Samaria infrastructure starting next year, but the Judea and Samaria Council have vowed not to leave the protest tent until the promises come to fruition.