Israel has launched a major operation to demolish illegal Palestinian structures built within a protected nature reserve in the Judean Desert. The move, which began on Thursday, was described as a “historic” step by local Jewish residents, who have long raised concerns over the unchecked construction in the Gush Etzion region.
Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, expressed his support for the initiative. He highlighted the damage caused by illegal building activities over the years, which have not only harmed the natural environment but also posed challenges to the nearby Jewish communities.
According to Rosenthal, this enforcement marks a significant milestone in protecting the region. He stated, “This is a crucial step towards restoring the desert and preserving the Judean Desert—a Jewish desert.”
The nature reserve, spanning approximately 41,000 acres, falls under Area B of the West Bank. In this zone, the Palestinian Authority holds administrative control, while Israel maintains security responsibility.
However, under the 1998 Wye River Memorandum, the Palestinian Authority had agreed not to carry out any construction activities within the reserve. Despite this agreement, reports indicate a significant rise in unauthorised structures over the years.
A recent aerial survey conducted by Regavim, a non-governmental organisation focused on monitoring illegal construction in Judea and Samaria, identified approximately 3,400 illegal structures in the reserve. This marks a sharp increase from just 268 structures recorded at the time of the Wye River agreement.
Observations from a site tour in August revealed extensive construction, ranging from incomplete cement foundations to a finished building resembling a guest house with a swimming pool. The area was also littered with construction debris, garbage, and signs of environmental damage.
Sharon Avni, a resident of Tekoa and an activist, explained the broader implications of the unauthorised construction. She pointed out that the construction appears to be a strategic effort to isolate Jewish communities and sever their territorial connections to Jerusalem.
She also raised concerns about the destruction of archaeological treasures in the area, emphasising that Israel’s history is being lost daily as illegal activities continue unchecked.
The issue has also drawn the attention of political leaders. MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, stressed that the enforcement actions signal the end of what he called the “Palestinian celebration.” He assured that his committee would continue to monitor efforts to clear the reserve and prevent further encroachment.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who played a key role in initiating the enforcement through the Security Cabinet, framed the action as part of a broader battle to protect open spaces and prevent the establishment of a “terrorist state.”
He said, “With professional and thorough groundwork, we have begun enforcing against the rampant illegal construction by the Palestinian Authority in the Judean Desert. We will not allow the PA to violate agreements and undermine our security.”
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