Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) on Monday visited the scene of Sunday’s terror attack on Route 60 in the Arab village of Huwara in Samaria.
Gallant said security has been ratcheted up in the area, and called on Israelis not to take the law into their own hands, following a night of riots in Huwara that left a local man dead and hundreds more injured.
“We are currently standing at the location where the terror attack took place in Hawara. It was a cruel attack. It is heartbreaking to think of the immense pain of the family that lost both its sons – Hallel and Yagel. It is a terrible thing.”
“I was here with commanders in the IDF. We expect difficult days ahead of us. It may be here in Judea and Samaria, in the Jerusalem area, or in the Gaza region.”
“I gave clear instructions to the IDF, ISA and the Border Police: ensure readiness to face all threats, reinforce troops and activities on the ground, and most importantly, reach and apprehend the terrorists. We will not tolerate terrorism against Israelis and we will operate in every way necessary.”
“With this being said, I call on everyone to restore calm. It is neither legitimate nor possible to operate individually. We cannot allow a situation in which citizens take the law into their hands. I call on everyone to follow law and order and to trust the IDF and security forces everywhere, across the country. Trust the IDF – you have who to trust – we are doing the work necessary.”
“And to conclude, as a veteran soldier, I remember many difficult mornings – days when I woke up to a difficult reality, days with operations after terror attacks. I know we will see another day and a different morning and we will overcome this. We will unite, we will work together, we will ensure security. We will protect lives, and we will trust the IDF and security organizations.”