For the first time since taking office, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will visit an Israeli community beyond the Green Line, Israel Hayom has learned. The premier has been invited to participate in festivities marking 45 years to the establishment of the Elkana community in western Samaria Tuesday.
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Bennett, who in the past served as the head of the Yesha Council, the umbrella organization of Jewish localities in Judea and Samaria, and was aligned with the settlement movement, has avoided visiting the region over the last year.
The assessment is that with the coalition government apparently inching closer toward disintegration, Bennett is trying to garner right-wing support ahead of another round of elections, whenever they are held. The resignation of Bennett's political adviser Shimrit Meir, who many have seen as responsible for the premier's recent adoption of a more centrist stance, also appears to have been directed at shoring up voters' support.
Last week, the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria's planning committee approved the construction of a new neighborhood comprising 500 homes in Elkana.
Bennett's people initiated the visit in a call with Elkana Regional Council head Asaf Mintser and expressed interest in the premier taking part in the festivities. Due to concerns his visit could draw protesters and in a desire not to tarnish celebrations, Bennett will participate in a portion of the ceremony to be held inside council headquarters and attended by community founders. At the same time, Bennett's security is preparing for right-wing protesters to demonstrate at the event.
Many Elkana residents have voiced opposition to Bennett's planned visit, and a petition to stop the visit from taking place has been circulated.
"Elkana is now marking 45 years to its establishment, and this is a good enough reason for celebrations," according to Mintser.
"Last week, we hosted state President Mr. Isaac Herzog for a one-of-a-kind event that saw him inaugurate a building … named for his father, Haim Herzog, the sixth president of the State of Israel. We welcomed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's request to hold a state visit here with the aim of showing appreciation for the Elkana community, its residents, and founders, and to which 17 of the first families to arrive here 45 years ago have also been invited. Together, we will celebrate 45 years of settlement and Zionism."
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