Ynet: Ministry of Defense entrusts reparation of Gaza border fence to Palestinians

According to Ynet, hundreds of Palestinian Arabs from Judea and Samaria are working on Israeli territory despite the government decision that prohibits the use of residents from Palestinian territories beyond the West Bank.

Ynet reports that Palestinian workers are involved in repairing breaches in the security fence, which was damaged when Hamas militants breached the border on October 7.

Ynet obtained information about the use of Palestinian workers from soldiers stationed in the Eshkol region. According to them, Palestinian workers are being employed along the entire Gaza border.

The Ministry of Defense stated that workers from contractors on defense facilities are used under established rules, and they were recruited in compliance with instructions and within the specific quotas.

Minister of Economy Nir Barkat called Defense Minister Yoav Galant's decision to use Palestinian workers on this project "scandalous." He also accused him of repeating mistakes that led Israel to the tragedy on October 7.

Leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party Avigdor Lieberman criticized the decision to use Palestinian Arabs. He stated that it indicates Israel still adheres to the "old concept." According to Liberman, in case of worker shortage, it is necessary to recruit foreign workers and not risk the lives of Israeli citizens.