The Knesset's Ministerial Committee for Legislation is expected to approve on Sunday a law canceling the expulsion from northern Samaria communities destroyed as part of the 2005 “Disengagement” from Gaza.
The law, proposed by Coalition Chairman David Bitan (Likud) and MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) and supported by Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan, aims to allow Jews freedom of movement in the areas of northern Samaria evacuated in 2005.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home) said she intends to pass the law. A few weeks ago, Bitan confirmed Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had given the proposal his approval.
In the explanatory notes to the bill, it says, "The purpose of the [Disengagement] plan was to lead to a better political, economic, demographic and security situation. Yet today it is clear to all that the Disengagement not only failed to achieve this goal, but in fact caused tremendous damage to the State of Israel in these areas. Despite the expulsion of the residents from northern Samaria, there was no change in the area in terms of the status of the land and the military presence there."
Moalem-Refaeli said, "The expulsion from northern Samaria was a security crime and a crime against the citizens who were expelled from their homes. This is a mistake which can be corrected. In order to rebuild these towns, we first must allow Jews to walk freely in the areas where the communities of Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim and Kadim once stood."
"At the end of the day, these lands remain under Israeli control and the IDF remains responsible for security in the area. There is no reason for the current situation to continue."
Since the expulsion in 2005, nothing has been done with the land these communities once stood on, and which is currently under control of the IDF Civil Administration as is all of Area C in Judea and Samaria.
The Homesh Headquarters said, "Northern Samaria especially, and Judea and Samaria in general, are the Jewish heartland and the cradle of our nation. Elijah the Prophet, our forefathers and foremothers, and Joseph the Righteous, all lived in this area. We thank MKs Shuli Moalem-Refaeli and David Bitan, as well as Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan, for advancing this law. With G-d's help, we will continue working until we accomplish our dream, and succeed in returning home."