Deputy Defense Minister Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan visited Hevron's Jewish community Monday, receiving a survey of the security deployment in the area and speaking at the mass celebration of the Sukkot holiday before thousands.
At the beginning of the visit, Deputy Minister Ben-Dahan heard a briefing by Hevron Brigade Commander Col. Itzik Cohen and then inaugurated Tel Hebvon, which-Ben Dahan had worked to transform from an Arab dumping site into a Jewish archaeological site.
"The findings here are proof that Jews have lived here for 3,000 years," said Ben-Dahan. "Those who still doubt the connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel can come here and see the connection of the Jewish people to Hevron."
During the tour, Ben-Dahan met tourists from the United States and Taiwan and was impressed by the work on paving the sidewalk and building pavements by the Civil Administration. In August 2017, the area of Hevron populated by Jews was given municipal status, enabling its utilities and development to be separated from the Arab municipality.
Ben-Dahan also addressed the imminent government approval of 30 buildings in Hevron, the first time Israel has approved building for Hevron's Jewish residents in over 30 years. "With God's help, next week the Israeli government will approve dozens of housing units here in Hevron," said Ben-Dahan. "The Jewish community in Hevron will flourish and grow because our presence in Hevron is ultimately what enables us to hold onto Israel's heartland, Judea and Samaria."