We need to review security for Jews in the West Bank, says Israel’s Economy Minister Naftali Bennett

Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (Reuters)

Israel’s right wing Economy Minister Naftali Bennett says he plans to submit a plan to his colleagues on reviewing security for Jews in the West Bank after claiming that the situation has deteriorated in recent months.

The darling of the right in January’s general election, when his Jewish Home party finished third, Mr Bennett says his plan will deal with how the Israeli army and individuals deal with the, “significant downturn in security for the Jews living in Judea and Samaria.” Judea and Samaria are Biblical names for the Occupied West Bank.

In an interview with the Jerusalem Post, Mr Bennett said: “Right now people cannot defend themselves,” Bennett said. “I want anyone in danger of being harmed to be able to defend himself. In conflict areas there should be more forces, more checkpoints, more operations going into more Arab towns.” Jewish settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.

Mr Bennett is an opponent of a two state solution as part of any peace deal with the Palestinians and favours the annexation of the West Bank. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says he is committed to a Palestinian state.