Israeli Settlers: We Do Not Want to Die

Settlers involved in the protest want the Israeli government to make concessions with Arabs to keep peace.

Courtesy: awdnews.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - A large number of Israeli settlers living in the Kiryat Arba, Gush Etzion and Alkhalil mountains, gathered in front of the government building in Beit ol Mughaddas to protest against increasing insecurity and conflict in their regions.

According to Tel Aviv Times, protesters held placards reading "We do not want to be the next victim" and asked Israeli authorities to take immediate measures to restore security.

The demonstrators considered the main cause of insecurity to be the Netanyahu government, saying the government failed to safeguard the livelihoods of the inhabitants of the occupied territories and settlements, and that poverty, corruption, discrimination and lack of credibility in the international arena are the results of Netanyahu government's irrational behavior.

The Gush Etzion city council chairman said to a reporter with Maariv, the Israeli news agency: "We want to tell the Prime Minister that we do not want to die, today the fear of death is killing Jews, insecurity has spread in Israel and the government should pay attention to Arabs' demands."

The Kiryat Arba city council closed all educational institutions so that students could take part in this gathering.

Some prominent figures participating including ministers such as Uri Ariel, Ayoub Qara, the deputy minister, and Knesset members Dudi Amsalem, Bezalel Smotrich and Kiryat Arba, Gush Etzion and Alkhalil mountain city councils chairmen and some other officials.