BICOM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing mounting criticism after a series of terrorist attacks in the West Bank last week.

Nine Cabinet ministers and a group of local councillors joined more than 200 people demonstrating outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday calling for new measures and funding to prevent terrorist attacks and protect Israeli communities.

Prime Minister Netanyahu told his weekly cabinet meeting that he has authorised the Government to accelerate the demolition of terrorists’ homes. He added: “We have revoked work permits for terrorists’ families and in contrast to what has hitherto been the case, as Defence Minister I have ordered that the permits not be automatically restored after the revocation period.”

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation has approved a new draft bill that would retroactively legalise more than 60 Israeli outposts and settlement neighbourhoods built in the West Bank over the last 20 years. Two new industrial zones will also be established near Avnei Hefetz and Betar Ilit and 82 new residential units will be approved in Ofra.

“The Palestinian terrorists think that they can uproot us from the heart of our land. By our actions and the strength of our spirit we will make it clear to them and to the entire world that we are here to stay,” Netanyahu said.

Hamas celebrated its 31st anniversary with a military-style parade near the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Saturday. The group revealed various weapons, including missiles mounted on trucks, as well as elite military units and snipers. On Sunday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said: “I will also respond to the Zionists who are saying what is happening in the West Bank is based on directives and arrangements from Gaza. This is an accusation we do not deny … because it is a source of pride reigning over all of us.”

On Friday, 10,000 Palestinians protested on the Gaza border. They threw rocks, Molotov cocktails and hand grenades toward Israeli troops. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF)  said two protesters infiltrated Israel, but quickly retreated back to the other side when IDF soldiers approached them.