Netanyahu Resists Calls for Stroke of the Pen to Legalize Ofra

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu resisted calls from Jewish Home leaders and within the Likud to legalize the community of Ofra, where Sunday night’s terror attack took place.

While joining in the condemnations of the “monstrous” shooting that wounded seven Israelis, including a mother and unborn infant in critical condition, he refused to go along with the impassioned demands for an immediate executive order in Ofra.

The prime minister reportedly said behind closed doors on Monday that the government was working through the courts to get retroactive approval for construction, but “what you think is simple is much more complex.”

He also cited an “aggresive campaign” at the International Criminal Court against settlements that were already built,” necessitating a carefully measured policy. His spokesman confirmed that this smear campaign is coming straight from the ICC.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked declared that PM Netanyahu can act in his capacity as Defense Minister and authorize the legal standing of the town. As Defense Minister, Netanyahu needs only to sign a document approving building and security regulations, she stated.

“We must institute a ‘price list’ for terrorism, to compete with the prices that Mahmoud Abbas pays terrorists from the coffers of the Palestinian Authority for their murders of Jews,” Shaked said Monday. “Every terror attack must strengthen Jewish settlement instead of weakening it. All potential terrorists must know in advance that the strengthening of settlements will be due to his actions.”

Although Ofra is recognized as a local authority, significant parts of it are on lands claimed by Palestinians. The government has not authorized construction in these areas, but it has attempted to defend construction in lawsuits before the High Court.

Addressing criticism from the right that he has been lax in building in Yehudah and Shomron, Netanyahu told Likud lawmakers that his performance in office belied any such claims.

“There is a prime minister here who stood for 12 years against two very, very difficult American presidents,” he said, referring to Bill Clinton, who served as president during Netanyahu’s first term from 1996 to 1099, and Barack Obama, who held the office for eight years of his premiership.

“We have built and built and built. With great wisdom and determination,” he insisted, expressing hope that a path could be found to build more with court backing. “If that can be done, wonderful. If not, we’ll see.”