Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan sent a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir calling to cancel plans to reduce territorial defense forces (Gamar) in Judea and Samaria settlements. In his urgent appeal, Dagan warned of the severe security implications of the move—first reported by C14—on the safety of residents and roads in the area, especially given the complex and sensitive security situation facing the country.
The Governor emphasized the immediate danger in the decision, writing that “the decision, in the current security reality, is expected to create significant operational gaps in the field and directly affect the security envelope of the Jewish communities and roads.” Dagan went on to detail the operational implications of the move, warning that “in a situation where the force structure is reduced, these communities will be left without security,” while cautioning that “canceling the soldiers will leave positions unmanned.”
At the end of his appeal, Dagan asked the chief of staff “to stop the planned cuts and hold a professional discussion on the matter with the participation of army and authority officials, in order to examine appropriate alternatives.” Dagan added in his appeal to the chief of staff: “I am confident that the chief of staff sees before his eyes the security of the residents of Judea and Samaria—out of shared responsibility for security I am turning to him and presenting the matter clearly. And I expect him to cancel the planned move to reduce Gamar soldiers in the communities.”
Dagan concluded his remarks with a call to cancel the planned cuts in Judea and Samaria, making clear this is a critical step to protect the safety of hundreds of thousands of citizens in the area: “I am asking to cancel the planned move. In the current security reality, Gamar soldiers are an inseparable part of the defense system for the towns and roads, and it is essential to ensure that gaps are not created that could endanger human life.”