A subcommittee of the Knesset Foreign Affairs Committee says an Arab sports and medical center should not be built in the abandoned Shdemah base, south of Jerusalem. The committee is chaired by MK Otniel Shneller of Kadima, a resident of southern Samaria.
Shdemah is located just outside the southeastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Homa, along the new road leading to Gush Etzion. The Arab town of Biet Sahour, with the support of leftist and European elements, has submitted a request to build a medical, sports and cultural complex in Shdemah.
Residents of Gush Etzion have been leading a spirited struggle in recent months to ensure that Shdemah is not turned over to local Arabs. To this end, the Jews have attempted to maintain a permanent presence at the site.
Committee member MKs toured Shdemah on Wednesday, and noted its commanding strategic presence overlooking the area around it. MKs Shneller, Porush (UTJ), Hendel (National Union), Ze'ev (Shas), Elkin (Kadima), and Edelstein (Likud) - all known to be of right-wing opinions - participated in the tour.