In what appears to be the latest step in his effort to relieve Israel of its biblical heartland, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has reportedly ordered the army to reduce its protection of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria to help pay for the defense of towns and villages in the vicinity of Gaza.
According to Israel National News, the Israeli army will in compliance with the order remove 14 security positions that provide roving patrols around a large number of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria.
Right-wing lawmaker Uri Ariel slammed the decision, noting that the increased protection of Israelis living near Gaza will now be paid for with the blood of Israelis living in Judea and Samaria.
The Olmert government has long promised to provide greater fortifications in rocket-battered Gaza-area towns like Sderot. But that promise, along with a repeated pledge to respond to Gaza rocket attacks with overwhelming force, has thus far gone unfulfilled.