Fallen hero: Major Peretz (Archives)
Photo: Elad Gershgoren
Major Roi Klein (Archives)
Reproduction photo: IDF Spokesperson Unit
35 MKs to Netanyahu: Don't raze IDF heroes' homes
Members of Knesset's Land of Israel Lobby urge PM to withdraw demolition order issued for illegal buildings in West Bank outposts that were home to fallen officers Eliraz Peretz and Roi Klein. 'It's a shame that such an issue has to involve a struggle,' MK Elkin says
Thirty-five lawmakers belonging to the Land of Israel Lobby in the Knesset, among them deputy ministers, sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday evening demanding that he prevent the destruction of the West Bank outposts Givat Hayovel and Hersha.
Givat Hayovel was home to Major Eliraz Peretz, who was killed in late March during an exchange of fire with Palestinian terrorists near the Israel-Gaza border and Major Roi Klein, who was killed in the Battle of Bint Jbeil during the 2006 Lebanon War after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers.
The officers' widows and children still reside in the outpost. Both Givat Hayovel and Hersha are populated mainly by security establishment personnel.
A demolition order had been issued for the 18 permanent structures in the outposts, and in February the High Court of Justice instructed the state to set a timeline for their dismantling within 60 days.
"The Israeli public was recently exposed to two exemplary figures who resided in these neighborhoods (outposts), and was in awe of their heroism and leadership, as well as of the Zionist moral courage of their families," the MKs said in the letter.
"Just like these two families, the rest of the neighborhoods' residents are also Zionist pioneers who contribute greatly to the State of Israel's security. We believe the state should embrace them instead of destroying their homes and life's work," read the letter.
MK Zeev Elkin (Likud), chairman of the Land of Israel Lobby, told Ynet that Israel cannot afford to have the homes of its heroes destroyed. "These neighborhoods are populated by those who pay the highest price in defense of the homeland.
"The defense minister (Ehud Barak) must stop the bureaucratic foot-dragging and legalize the neighborhoods," he said.
Elkin hinted that the lobby would not hesitate to apply heavy political pressure if the matter is not resolved in the coming days.
"It's a shame that such an issue has to involve a struggle," the MK added.
In the letter, the MKs said there is nothing preventing the government from legalizing the residential areas in question, as they "are situated on state-owned lands."
The lobby members plan to visit the outposts on Thursday as a show of support.
