A large, new city is currently being constructed by the Palestinian Authority in the contractual nature reserve area in eastern Gush Etzion, which means that an Israeli enclave will be surrounded by a new Arab city that is contributing to the destruction of the Judean Desert, while the State of Israel and law enforcement bodies look on. The Mayor of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Shlomo Ne’eman stated, “This city is an affront to the Jewish communities in the area, and constitutes barbaric destruction, as well as the ultimate loss of governance at the most drastic level, in addition, of course, to the violation of the agreement and understanding established between the two nations.”
Under the headline, "New Construction by an Authority Where Anything Goes" the Gush Etzion Council is embarking on a struggle with no intention of compromising, to demand that state institutions stop the construction of this Arab city immediately, a city built by the Palestinian Authority in a contractual nature reserve in eastern Gush Etzion.
The construction of the city in the heart of the desert is destroying the Judean desert and could well become a site for terrorist cells.
The municipality in Gush Etzion has long warned the government about its systematic ignoring of the continuous construction of the city, which will lead to a dangerous and irreversible situation.
The Gush Etzion Regional Council calls on the government to immediately halt the negligent and illegal construction in a contractual nature reserve and prevent the severe damage it will cause to the Gush Etzion communities, not to mention the State of Israel as a whole.
Mayo Ne’eman added: "It poses genuine danger to the local communities and the state, as a severe loss of governance, and I appeal to all decision-makers to go see the reserve for themselves to understand the situation and immediately discontinue this dangerous construction.”