Peaceful Small-Town Living Amongst the Norm
In the heart of the West Bank, nestled amidst rolling hills and surrounded by an imposing fence topped with barbed wire and equipped with motion detectors, known as "the net," lies the Israeli colony of Karnei Shomron. Established in 1977, this settlement, home to approximately 11,000 residents, including hundreds of American and Canadian immigrants, has been a subject of international debate.
Igal Lahav, the former mayor of Karnei Shomron, welcomed us into his home. A retired military man, Lahav is a firm believer in the security measures that protect the settlement. He and his family carry weapons for safety due to frequent attacks from Palestinians.
Lahav, who grew up in Tel Aviv, moved to Karnei Shomron for economic reasons, as the government was building new houses there. He trains his grandson to respond in case of an emergency, dismissing the "hill youth," or extremist settlers who harass Palestinians, as a media fabrication.
The expansion of settlements like Karnei Shomron has been a contentious issue, with Israeli ultraright-wing ministers within Benjamin Netanyahu's government pushing for annexation of large parts of the West Bank. This expansion, taking place under Netanyahu's political leadership, has involved consultation with the US government, as well as response from regional and international actors.
Lahav is convinced that the expansion of settlements has made it impractical to recognise a Palestinian State. He believes that the presence of settlements ensures Israel's security. However, it's important to note that settlements like Karnei Shomron are considered illegal under international law.
The protection of settlements like Karnei Shomron places a significant burden on the Israeli army. Igal Lahav expresses concerns about the potential for attacks, referring to the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, and believing that similar attacks could occur in Karnei Shomron.
Despite the controversy, Lahav points out the coexistence of Jewish and Arab villages in the West Bank, suggesting that the reality on the ground contradicts certain political positions. He argues that the dismantling of Jewish settlements in Gaza, 20 years ago, has not resulted in a decrease in rocket attacks on Israel.
Lahav asserts that Jews have never attacked Arabs. He expresses skepticism towards the Canadian government's decision to recognise a Palestinian State. As we leave Karnei Shomron, the settlement's imposing fence serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and controversies that surround life in these colonies.
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