In a new assessment of threats to the security of towns and villages, conducted in the wake of October’s clashes between security forces and Israeli Arabs, the Defense and Public Security ministries have compiled a list of 45 “especially sensitive” communities located within Israel’s Green Line borders.

This means that Israeli Arabs are now regarded as a threat to the peace and welfare of towns and settlements within Israel, security sources explain.

Communities on the list will receive special assistance to boost security measures. This is the first time that several Galilee area communities have been included on a list of this sort. Flaws in their security preparations were exposed by October’s events, the sources say. In the Galilee’s Misgav area, these communities include: Lotem, Eschar, Mitzpe Aviv, Eshbal, Tal-El, Avtalion, Hararit, Ma’aleh Tzviyah, Yuvalim and Moreshet.

The list will be brought next week to a special inter-ministerial committee for final approval.

Criteria set-out for classification as “an especially sensitive settlement” were formulated in recent weeks by security officials. The classification applies to communities located within the Green Line either in border regions, or in “sensitive” areas that are either isolated or close to Arab populations.

Special defense provisions to be given to the 45 communities include firearms and communications equipment, fences, electric gates, observation posts, and preparation of alternative entrance and exit roads.

Appeared in HaAretz, November 23, 2000

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